AI-powered robots may play the role of companions in elderly care facilities

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has indeed raised numerous questions and challenges that are yet to be fully addressed. The United Nations (UN) acknowledged this fact during its AI summit, where it brought together experts from various fields, including both humans and advanced humanoid robots.

The UN recognises that AI technology is advancing at a remarkable pace, surpassing our ability to establish clear boundaries and guidelines for its development and application.

Humanoid robots take centre stage at the AI summit

The ‘AI for Good Global Summit,’ being held in Geneva over two days starting from 6 July 2023, has been organised by the UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to explore the potential of artificial intelligence.

During the summit, many attendees were taken by surprise when humanoid robots suddenly turned to look at them as they passed by, causing astonishment among those unaware of their capabilities.

The summit aims to gather approximately 3,000 experts representing various companies, including Microsoft and Amazon, universities, and international organisations. Their collective objective is to establish frameworks that ensure the responsible and beneficial use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Which category of robots are present in the summit?

A diverse range of robots gathered in Geneva for the summit, including dogs, farm machinery, realistic avatars, singers, artists, and nursing home workers. Equipped with cameras in their eyes, the robots actively tracked movements, answer questions, and display emotions such as smiling, frowning, and even eye-rolling.

The Jam Galaxy Band featured a humanoid robot named Desdemona, also known as ‘Desi,’ as the lead vocalist. Created by roboticist David Hanson, Desi delivered jazzy lyrics on various subjects while the band interacted and improvised around her singing.

Nadine, a robot designed to resemble University of Geneva professor Nadia Thalmann, was initially built in 2013 and is capable of providing real-time responses to questions. Nadine expressed excitement and curiosity about the AI for Good Global Summit and the potential of AI technologies.

Nadine, a humanoid robot for nursing facilities

Nadia said at the summit that Nadine and similar robots could be more efficient caretakers than people.

"Nadine has availability every hour of the day. The others don't have time. After COVID-19, the rivalry for nurses and carers in the world increased, and certain nations are currently dealing with a staffing shortage in nursing facilities, which some believe humanoid robots could one day solve,” according to Thalmann.

As per Nadine, three years ago, when visiting nursing home inmates in Singapore, she engaged in chatting, singing, and playing bingo games with them.

The robot expressed his enjoyment of connecting with the elderly and meeting their needs, saying, "It was a great experience."

"Nadine's interaction and conversational abilities have improved after last week's upgrade with AI model GPT-3, which allows it to communicate concepts with greater complexity."

Nadia Thalmann, University of Geneva professor

Nadine remarked, referring to Thalmann, "I'm very grateful to her for giving me life, and I'm proud to be her creation."

By involving life-like humanoid robots in the summit, it suggests that AI technology has progressed to a level where machines can simulate human-like behaviours and engage in meaningful discussions. These robots may contribute valuable insights while also serving as evidence of the advancements made in robotics and AI research.