EMERGING technologies are set to be developed in Scotland to help give greater independence to people with assisted living needs and those who care for them.
The National Robotarium – an initiative involving Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh universities – has teamed up with the national charity Leuchie House in North Berwick that will see researchers work with guests at the facility to develop technology to address specific needs.
One million people in Scotland live with a neurological condition, and 10% are disabled as a result. For many, professional, an unpaid carers provide essential support at home to carry out daily tasks and enable access to leisure activities. However, emerging technologies can help return independence.
The partnership announced yesterday – the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities – will see robotics and AI technologies developed to help people with a range of assistive needs, for example, providing support after a stroke, or monitoring deterioration in conditions such as dementia.
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The robotarium is part of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative, supported by £1.4 million from the Scottish Government and £21m from the UK Government through the £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
Professor Lynne Baillie, head of its Assisted Living Lab, said, “Our partnership with Leuchie House will allow us to work collaboratively with their guests and carers to develop assisted living technology that truly works for users.
“We will engage directly with individuals to learn more about their unique needs and hear their ideas about how robotic and sensing technologies could provide support.
“Guests will then be invited to our Assisted Living Lab at the National Robotarium to participate in trials of technologies designed to meet these needs in a realistic home setting.”
Leuchie House CEO, Mark Bevan, added, “Leuchie House is traditionally known for our class leading residential short breaks and, building from this strength, we have been introducing guests and those who care for them to the benefits of enabling technology, which can restore independence and self-management.
“Our rooms for example are equipped with voice activated environmental controls, to show our guests the art of the possible.
“Our technology team works with guests to install similar technologies at home, giving them and those who care for them more independence and complementing residential short breaks.
“This exciting partnership between the National Respite Centre and the National Robotarium is ... a key part of our creation of a new National Centre for Enabling Technology.”
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