Researchers from Salzburg are working on the ideal companion for old people. Seniors in a testing program like ‘Buddy’. What the little one can do and when it will come onto the market.
Such a little tin friend has a huge advantage: he simply always has time. Older people in particular suffer from the fact that their children can only spend a limited time with them. The young are plagued by a guilty conscience, the elderly feel lonely.
This should end in the future. At least for seniors who can make friends with a rolling, talking robot in their home. A project by Salzburg Research, the state research agency of Salzburg, promises groundbreaking results. Oliver Jung and colleagues are working with French and Dutch researchers on ‘Buddy’.
The little guy reaches about the knee of an adult. Thanks to artificial intelligence, he should become a companion and thus avoid loneliness. “’Buddy’ can already say a few sentences. When he is ready for the market, he will have a real conversation with his owner,” says Oliver Jung, describing the goal that the Salzburgers are pursuing. The robot also follows its owner, so that he is always close by.
The French company Bluefrog originally invented the robot for autistic children. According to Jung, a former animator from the famous Californian film company Pixar designed the robo-face. The researchers from Salzburg turn the tables on the project. It is not the seniors who have to learn from the robot’s facial expressions, but the other way around.
Robot must recognize how seniors are doing
In the final version, “Buddy” should recognize what his human counterpart needs. His job will be to find out how his owner is doing based on facial expressions, voice and dialogue. He should also make suggestions such as, “Call your niece again.”
Interested parties can meet “Buddy”.
About thirty people from Salzburg between their late fifties and nineties are currently helping the robot learn – and they already like it. Interested parties can register at 50plus GmbH in Salzburg.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
