In view of the growing number of people in need of care and the shortage of nursing staff, our society is facing major challenges. How can needs-based and dignified care be ensured in view of this situation? As part of the Teleskoop research project, a humanoid tele-robot has now been successfully integrated into the everyday life of private households for the first time in order to investigate the potential for support in outpatient care. In particular, the studies identified the importance of the human being as the operator of the robot as an essential aspect for promoting the acceptance of people in need of care. In addition, the teleoperative approach showed potential for achieving greater flexibility and adaptation of support services to the abilities and daily routines of the target group. The project results were achieved through the collaboration of the FZI Research Center for Information Technology, Devanthro GmbH and the Geriatric Research Group of the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. They offer concrete solutions for the challenges of everyday care.

Pioneering work in care with humanoid robots

During the three-year project period, technologies and methods were developed that enable precise, needs-based support in care while maintaining personal interaction. For example, people in need of care were accompanied and supported by the teleoperative robotic system Robody in various everyday situations over a total period of 23 days. The pilot studies were conducted for the first time worldwide in collaboration with outpatient care services such as the Diakoniezentrum Pirmasens, Aiutanda GmbH and Augustinum gGmbH.

Intuitive assistance robotics in everyday care

The project partners developed the first cooperative telepresence system for outpatient care as part of the Teleskoop project. The results offer an innovative approach to the growing demand for care. Care staff can control Robody remotely and use immersive virtual reality technology to immerse themselves in the situation on site. This enables both physical tasks and everyday assistance to be carried out precisely, without neglecting the personal and trusting relationship between care staff and those in need of care. “With this telecare approach, we combine the strengths of humans and machines while maintaining the personal exchange between the nursing staff and the person,” explains Rafael Hostettler, co-founder and CEO of the consortium leader Devanthro GmbH.

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