A robot in the testing phase could help people find frequently lost objects and accessories. The technology was discovered by engineers at the University of Waterloo with the aim of helping people with dementia who lose glasses, cell phones and other everyday items.
During this study, specialist Ali Ayub and his team detected a growing increase in people with dementia, pathology that restricts brain function. This is a serious problem, since constantly forgetting objects, especially those for personal use, affects quality of life.
How the robot was developed?
Based on these data, engineers developed a robot with its own episodic memory to contribute to this situation. I.e, managed to develop a machine through artificial memory, with the use of Artificial Intelligence (IA).
For that, a Fetch mobile handler was used, a device that can detect the reality that is around you. After, through object detection algorithms, it was possible to program the robot to detect, track and keep a memory log of specific items.
In this way, the technology will take place through camera vision through video storage. When distinguishing one object from another, the robot can record the time and date when objects enter or leave its “field of vision”.
Furthermore, The objects to be tracked can be chosen by users through a graphical interface. To choose, the person will only need to type the name of the objects in the smartphone application or on a computer.
Technology for the general public
Recently carried out tests indicate that the robot system has high precision. Although robotics were designed to treat cases of dementia, the objective is that, not future, the benefits of this technology are expanded to anyone who feels the need.
“The long-term impact is really exciting. The user can engage not only with the robot companion, but the personalized companion can give him more independence”, says Ali Ayub, postdoctoral student in electrical and computer engineering.
