As the population of older Americans continues to grow, an increasing number of individuals are choosing to age in place—maintain their independence by remaining in their homes. According to data, approximately 75% of older adults express the desire to stay in their current residence as they grow older. However, this widespread preference presents a complex challenge, particularly as the health care industry grapples with a shortage of professional caregivers.
Everyday tasks—such as lifting heavy cookware from high shelves, changing light bulbs in ceiling fixtures, or maintaining yard work—can pose significant physical risks to elderly individuals living alone. Even minor obstacles may compromise their safety and quality of life. At the same time, the availability of skilled health care workers and personal assistance remains a pressing concern due to the shrinking workforce and growing demand.
Researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) are exploring how emerging technologies, especially robotics, can bridge this gap and facilitate aging in place. Among these innovators is Dr. Heni Ben Amor, an expert in robotics and artificial intelligence at ASU’s School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence. His work focuses on developing robotic assistants that are not only technically capable but also sensitive to the needs, limitations and preferences of older individuals.
These robotic systems are being designed with functionalities that enable them to handle practical in-home tasks. For example, robots could be equipped to assist with object manipulation, light maintenance, or navigating cluttered environments. They may also integrate AI-driven systems that understand and predict the user’s needs, providing timely alerts or assistance in case of emergencies.
Dr. Ben Amor and his team are also addressing the human-robot interaction element, ensuring that these machines are approachable, intuitive to use, and adaptable to individual users. A key goal is to develop technology that empowers users rather than replaces human interaction, thereby helping to alleviate the pressures on understaffed caregiving networks while preserving the independence and dignity of older adults.
As these solutions move from research to real-world application, they promise to become vital tools in reshaping elder care. The integration of robotics into daily elder support routines could significantly reduce care burdens on families and the health care system, and most importantly, enable aging individuals to live safer, more autonomous lives in the comfort of their own homes.
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