Assistive robots hold significant promise for improving the quality of life for older adults living at home by promoting independence, safety, and overall well-being. These robots support tasks ranging from daily living activities like medication reminders and item retrieval, to safety monitoring and social engagement. Integrating advanced technologies, assistive robots help reduce caregiver workloads while fostering autonomy and dignity for older adults. Despite existing challenges related to usability, ethical considerations, and acceptance, continued innovation in robotics provides a compelling pathway toward sustainable and personalized home healthcare solutions that empower aging populations to thrive independently in their own homes.
Yao-Lin Tsai, a Health & Kinesiology Ph.D. Candidate in the Human Factors and Aging Laboratory, works on the STRETCH Robot Project that focuses on behavioral design for aging people. His research interests are social robotics, including robot motion planning, indoor navigation, and human robot interaction.
A partnership between the Illinois Extension and the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, the Community Seminar Series provides educational seminars of interest to the community each fall, spring, and summer, delivered virtually by graduate students and postdoctoral research trainees. The Community Seminar Series covers health topics driven by public interest, helping attendees make healthier choices and overcome public health misinformation.
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