Service robot for rehabilitation and training of elderly people

The average life expectancy, is constantly increasing. Additionally, there is the trend to keeping elderly people home as long as possible, instead moving them to full time nursing homes. This is due to both welfare and cost reasons. However, the forecasts shows a a considerable lack of human resources in elderly care during the next years. In 2035, there will e.g. be lack of 40k nurses ! Consequently, there is a considerable demand for new IT and robotics solutions, to be able to maintain, and maybe enhance the welfare level, however, on the other hand, to compensate for the expected lack human resources in elderly care. The robotics solutions can accomplish various types of tasks both within logistics, entertainment, surveillance etc. However, one important demand, which has not be solved yet, is to integrate service robots into the rehabilitation and training of the patients. Currently, the physical degeneration after rehabilitation; Thus, that the elderly are not able to maintain there physical condition, and consequently also the mental condition, is an important reason why they have to move to full time care in nursing homes. This project is intended develop an application to the EUROSTARS! Programme, to develop a functional add-on package for service robots, to offer physical and mental training. With this new, unique technology, it's expected that the elderly can stay home longer, and thus, have a better life, save money, and also reduce the need and costs for full time nursing homes. This again, will have a positive impact on the required human resources, and thus, be one, important contribution to meet the future requirements to enhanced elderly care, and reduction of costs.