Researchers from Ben-Gurion University received a grant to develop escort algorithms that will allow robots to assist the elderly in their daily lives
Prof. Tal Oron-Gilad from the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management and Dr. Idit Shalu from the Department of Education at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev received a grant from the Israeli Ministry of Science, Technology and Space as part of the program for the welfare of senior citizens, in order to develop algorithms that will allow robots to assist the elderly in their daily lives. The project is called "Follow me... the study of the physical distance between a person and another and adjusting the method of tracking a robot that helps the user and the task".
Prof. Oron-Gilad: "Older people want to maintain their independence even as they get older, and robots can help them with everyday tasks. Nevertheless, the introduction of assistive robotics into the daily lives of the elderly depends on users accepting it, being satisfied with it and being able to afford it. Proximity to people is an important aspect in the applications of assistive robotics, but at the same time this proximity also creates a difficult problem to solve. Robotic platforms need to move efficiently and have enough power to carry objects. They must stick to users who differ from each other in their mobility and way of walking. The robot system must adapt to the specific person and be able to maintain the appropriate distance and response, especially among older users who may be more physically vulnerable and inexperienced in interacting with robotic systems."
The purpose of the project is to promote adaptive algorithms for tracking a robot after a person (Adaptive Person Following Algorithms), so that principles of human-to-human interaction will be included. From several intentions: a) to improve the well-being of older users. b) Create guidelines for designing assistive robots that are attentive to the needs of the user, so that they are personally adapted to the special needs of each elderly user. The algorithm will be adapted to the user's pace, abilities and actions, and will take into account the characteristics of the environment and the context (type of task). The final results of the project will include guidelines for future implementation of the technology and its demonstrations.
"While most human tracking algorithms focus on the efficiency and usefulness of the robot, what is special about our approach is that we focus on the efficiency of the human-robot interface using contexts from the way people communicate in space," says Prof. Oron-Gilad.
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BSD
Objects that follow people have already been built in the civilian context, such as a suitcase that follows the person, as well as in a military context, such as a carrier that carries soldiers' bags and follows the soldiers.
I propose to develop a chair that follows the elderly person who has difficulty walking for a long time, and in which you can store shopping from the supermarket. What do you think?
incidentally
The same news item appears here with more information.
http://www.nrg.co.il/online/13/ART2/692/821.html
It still seems that they managed to squeeze budgets here
Using vague terms, and buzzwords...
Miracles
Write:
"
The purpose of the project is to promote adaptive algorithms for tracking a robot after a person
That is: the main part of the project, software development and not a physical facility...
may be…
There's a lot of stupidity in the world, you're right. NASA recently finished development and construction of a facility to test a certain rocket engine - an engine whose development was canceled years ago. Here are millions of dollars thrown away.
The case described here is not like that, in my opinion. Devices to help old people is something we should encourage.
I see no problem with this study. I'm actually happy that they invest in helping the elderly, and not in prolonging life, for example.
In addition - and as I said - there are very few useful things in the academy. There is no need to attack the little that is actually good for us...
Miracles
I'm not against research, god forbid.
I know the computer software world well,
And you probably know too.
The problem with writing software for computers is not in research...
Rather "copying" of successful pieces of software
and attachments to other successful pieces of software
They are the solution for successful robotic applications.
The trouble with this kind of "studies",
that they are funded by parties who have no idea what it is about...
Possibly
You're probably right.
It doesn't seem that these researchers have invented anything in the past, what's more, it's not exactly an invention. The idea is not new and attempts to build such systems already exist in some places. Japan already has robots that serve humans.
In general,
That the public will pay them more money for them to develop algorithms? So what are they being paid for until now?
Looks like an attempt to extort money just so they can keep their chair warm. Elk scientists.
may be…
A vast majority of academic research in the world is not intended to serve the public. And precisely to research that can contribute to each of us, are you opposed?
Be sure that the committee that approved the grant checked the achievements of the researchers. I really don't understand why you are against anything….
The researchers from Ben-Gurion University specialize in receiving budgets...
I would be very happy to know what they have already developed in the past
that justifies the new dubious credit…
Elderly people often need empathy to alleviate their loneliness rather than a sophisticated algorithm, I believe that the same interaction with a human being who helps them with chores, even if it is less pleasant, will allow providing a human feeling and be much more useful.
This is the classic limit where technology is very tempting from a material-practical point of view, but in practice it is impossible to ignore basic human warmth, which is so important for the third age.
It is very important to take into account that the detailed technology may open another window to intensify the gnawing loneliness, thus it is very possible that there will be a kind of "shot in the foot" for those elderly and their families,
I would be happy to see a rationale that explains how the new development and the required human feeling will live side by side.
Because without the same reasoning and without the same investment in the human aspect - this is really a shot in the foot.