Affective Robotics for assisting elderly people

There are widely acknowledged imperatives for helping the elderly live at home (semi)-independently for as long as possible. Without cognitive stimulation support the elderly dementia and depression sufferers can deteriorate rapidly and the carers will face a more demanding task. Both groups are increasingly at the risk of social exclusion. This article presents the work under development in the project Companion-Able. It will provide the synergy of Robotics and Ambient Intelligence technologies to provide for a care-giver's assistive environment. This is mediated by a robotic companion working collaboratively with a smart home environment. Companion-Able addresses the issues of social inclusion and homecare of persons with chronic cognitive disabilities prevalent among the increasing European older population. A participative and inclusive scenario validation approach will drive the efforts, involving care recipients and their close caregivers as well as the wider stakeholders.