The care sector is facing major challenges: Demographic change, the shortage of skilled workers and the physical demands of the profession will make it increasingly difficult to maintain good care in the future. The CareTech OWL research network at Bielefeld University aims to find solutions to this: The researchers are developing robotic systems to support and relieve both caregivers and cared-for people. We looked at some of the solutions for our video report.

Prof. Dr. Axel Schneider from the Institute of System Dynamics and Mechatronics (ISym) gives a brief overview of which robotic technologies can provide support in care. He and his team are not limiting their development to the technology itself, but are also researching its use directly at the care bed.

Dr. Thekla Stefanou focuses on the use of passive exoskeletons, which are designed to support carers, relieve them and protect them from pain. Nils Grimmelsmann is also working on exoskeletons. He is investigating the extent to which they can be controlled with muscle signals – to the point where the exoskeleton can also predict movements and thus better support the wearer.

Finally, Neevkumar Hareshbai Manavar wants to use AI at the care bed to prevent pressure sores. The AI will evaluate images from different types of cameras to prevent bedsores. This means that pressure sensors no longer need to be used.

Source: MEDICA-tradefair.com