Abstract:
Charles River Analytics Inc., a developer of intelligent systems solutions, has received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop Socially-Assistive Robots for Alzheimer’s (SARA). SARA aims to enhance connectedness, caregiving, well-being, and quality of life for adults with early- to middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and their caregivers.
According to NIH experts, more than 5.5 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s, an irreversible and progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and cognitive skills, ultimately impairing the ability to perform even the simplest tasks.
“Individuals with Alzheimer’s, even in the early stages, often experience loneliness and social isolation, as do their caregivers,” explained Caroline Kingsley, Scientist at Charles River Analytics. “SARA leverages the latest research in social robotics and AI to increase connection and quality of life, and reduce social isolation.”
SARA is designed to combat loneliness through proactive, embodied social interactions that connect individuals more closely with family, friends, and the community—both directly and through social media. SARA provides:
- Reminders and prompts for everyday information that patients easily forget
Health regimens for meals, exercise, and other daily living tasks
Remote monitoring by caregivers
Charles River Analytics adopts a co-creation approach for SARA, directly involving individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers in the design process through focus groups and interviews. The focus is on utility, usability, accessibility, and acceptability to facilitate adoption and improve health outcomes. SARA includes both software and hardware enhancements to improve interaction.
SARA is built on Hap, Charles River Analytics’ AI-based architecture that enables engaging, believable, and effective interactions. SARA extends the company’s research and development efforts in healthcare support and training over the past decade. Since 2009, Charles River Analytics has announced multiple medical contract awards, including medical training systems, a smoking cessation system, and AI-enabled patient support online communities.
Reference:
Providing Comfort to Alzheimer’s Patients with Social Robotics