University of Bedfordshire involved in study that shows robots could improve mental health and loneliness in older people | People - Leighton Buzzard Observer

A study has shown that robots can improve mental health and have the potential to reduce loneliness in older people, as Leighton Buzzard Observer reports.

A culturally competent robot called Pepper was tested in care homes in the UK
Photo:   Leighton Buzzard Observer

The evaluation of CARESSES, the largest ever global study, involving the University of Bedfordshire, Middlesex University and Advinia Health Care, is the first time researchers have collaborated to explore the possibility of developing culturally competent robots...

Professor Antonio Sgorbissa from the University of Genova, leader on Artificial Intelligence development, said: “Our trial was one of the most rigorous, complex and largest of its kind to date and limitations need to be viewed against this backdrop.

"The Artificial Intelligence developed in the project allowed the robot to autonomously interact with older people for many hours, even if we had issues with time pressure and technical problems.
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Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer