TRANSLATING ASSISTIVE ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY TO AGED CARE PRACTICE: COOPERATIVE DESIGN APPROACH. cas.uts.edu.au

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1 TRANSLATING ASSISTIVE ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY TO AGED CARE PRACTICE: COOPERATIVE DESIGN APPROACH

2 In many areas, robotics technology has greatly benefited humans in performing physically daunting tasks UTS has been conducting research on developing Robotics Technology for various applications such as Sydney harbour bridge maintenance robot A special stream of robots called Assistive Robots (AR) that can add value to aged care practice to improve the quality of care

3 AR can collaboratively work in close contact with humans as companions or tools Additional dimensions to consider: coexistence, close collaboration, safety, appearance, natural interactions, simple & intuitive interface Thanks to IRT, a collaborative research project between UTS and IRT was initiated to translate research outcomes to real aged care practice

4 At the beginning of the project, an EAG from IRT suggested to primarily focus on integrating the robotics technology to help nurses and care assistants Patient lifting and transfer device (hoist) nurses and care assistants use for transferring non-ambulatory seniors Assisted manoeuvring and navigation to reduce lower back injuries while improving safety of carers and seniors

5 WHAT IS THE ROBOT? Standard Hoist Smart Hoist

6 PROJECT IN BRIEF Project timeline: October 2012 to June 2014, 20 months. Two trials: 1 month short term trial and 6 month long term user trial at IRT Woonona Aged Care Facility in NSW.

7 SMART HOIST

8 SMART HOIST DESIGN How did we decide these components, their locations, appearance etc? Cooperative design (co-design) or participatory design approach We wanted to have the involvement of real user in the design process so that they can see their input on the Smart Hoist

9 COOPERATIVE DESIGN APPROACH All stakeholders are involved as equal participants in the design process of a device or service. Conducted as workshops where potential scenarios are discussed in detail and are acted out if possible. Not focus groups or feedback sessions.

10 COOPERATIVE DESIGN APPROACH Why take a cooperative design approach? Background research on how to introduce robotic devices in aged care facilities. High likeliness of distrust towards this type of technology both from Care Workers and Residents alike.

11 COOPERATIVE DESIGN APPROACH IRT offered their Aged Care Facility at Woonona as our research site. This is included access to willing and able participants such as Care Workers and Residents. Information sessions with Care Workers and Residents.

12 COOPERATIVE DESIGN APPROACH Asked for volunteer Care Workers to participate. Organised and facilitated cooperative design workshops to solve specific design aspects on the Smart Hoist. IRT Care Workers, Nurses, Physiotherapy Aides and Residents participated as well as UTS engineers.

13 SMART HOIST OVERVIEW

14 COMPONENTS DESIGNED COOPERATIVELY Steering and driving interactions. Touch Screen interface.

15 CHALLENGES FACED & LESSONS LEARNED In retrospect the process worked very well. IRT Care Workers that participated felt included in the process and could see evidence of their involvement all over the Smart Hoist.

16 CHALLENGES FACED & LESSONS LEARNED Challenges faced: 1. Nurses and Care Workers are extremely time poor. 2. Age care facilities are always understaffed. 3. Organise Workshops at shift changeover times.

17 CHALLENGES FACED & LESSONS LEARNED Lessons learned: 1. Find a Project Champion on site who is respected by their staff and management. 2. Go on site regularly (UTS visited IRT over 70 times). 3. Build meaningful relationships with all Stakeholders.

18 QUESTIONS Thank you for your attention