Can a robot called Abi fill a need in aged care?

Robot Abi in Aged Care home in Melbourne - SBS.jpg

There are fledgling examples of artificial intelligence being introduced into the aged care sector from fall prevention systems to new ways of addressing social isolation and a Australian made humanoid robot who goes by the name Abi is among them.


KEY POINTS
  • 24-year-old mechatronics engineer Grace Brown is the mind behind Abi. The humanoid companion was first developed three years ago in the midst of the isolation challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The humanoid robot's primary function is interacting with aged care residents, and it has the ability to speak in almost 90 languages.
  • Data cited by the federal government, estimates that one in five older Australians experience loneliness. The aged care royal commission identified workforce shortages as a major challenge facing the sector, emphasising the demands already placed on stretched thin staff.

Share
Follow SBS Filipino

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Filipino-speaking Australians.
Understand the quirky habits of Aussie life.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS News in Filipino

SBS News in Filipino

Watch it onDemand