Helper or companion? What role should robots play in care?

The Evangelical Home Foundation is testing a social AI robot in a nursing home in Mannheim. Will creatures like “Oskar” become normal companions in the future?

The AI ​​robot Navel has big, round eyes and a stylized mouth. He is based on characters in animated films. The red hat and a kind of orange dress make him cute.

If it were up to Oskar, his mission could begin. The charging light is green, he is ready. In principle, he could now drive through the corridors of the nursing home, speak to a resident here, tell a joke to a resident there. He would look at the old people with his big eyes, tilt his head, smile. But Oskar cannot set off alone yet, he is dependent on his godmothers, who pick him up and carry him to residents like Irene Müller (87).

“Hello Irene, nice to see you again. How are you today? Did you experience something nice?”

Oscar

Oskar is a social AI robot from Navel Robotics. He was developed to talk to people and keep them company. Since the beginning of 2024, he has been in use at Rheinauer Tor, a care facility run by the Evangelische Heimstiftung in Mannheim. Two employees look after him and accompany the conversations with the residents. It is a pilot project. The Heimstiftung wants to find out how social robots can influence the quality of life of people in need of care.

“As a social robot, I have various tasks here at the senior center. I am here to interact with the residents, have conversations and keep them company.”

Oscar

The AI ​​robot Navel looks at an old woman sitting in a wheelchair. It is designed to keep people company - for example in nursing homes.
The AI ​​robot Navel is being developed to keep people company – for example in nursing homes, where there will be an increasing shortage of skilled workers in the future.

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