How do robots support mild Covid-19 patients in Tokyo?

Question

Accepted Answer

Robots Offer Support and Reminders to Mild COVID-19 Patients in Tokyo

In Tokyo, the humanoid robot Pepper is being utilised to provide assistance and encouragement to patients experiencing mild COVID-19 symptoms who are quarantined in a converted hotel. Pepper delivers messages of support, such as "You can’t fight the coronavirus on an empty stomach. Please eat well to get healthy," and reminds patients to rest and eat balanced meals to aid their recovery. This initiative aims to enhance the mental well-being of patients during their two-week quarantine period.
Robotic Interaction for Mental Comfort

Pepper robots are deployed at the hotel to interact with patients, particularly at reception and during meal times. These interactions are designed to help patients feel more mentally comfortable, especially given the isolation inherent in quarantine. SoftBank, the manufacturer of Pepper, noted that the robot fills the void of human interaction, which is restricted due to infection risks.
Operational Details and Hotel Capacity

Tokyo has secured approximately 2,800 rooms across five hotels to accommodate COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, with around 200 rooms currently in use. The Pepper robots are programmed to offer a range of messages, from words of encouragement like "We are all supporting you" to practical advice such as "The fastest way to recover is to eat a balanced meal, rather than your favourite dishes."
Essential Human Healthcare Oversight

While robots are used for supportive roles, the primary healthcare for patients remains under the charge of human medical professionals. Doctors and nurses are responsible for monitoring patient health data twice daily, including temperature and blood oxygen saturation levels. A robot cleaner is also being trialled at the hotel to assist with sanitation.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How do robots support mild Covid-19 patients in Tokyo?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends