The Future of Robotics in Senior Living

At the recent Senior Living Innovation Forum, Andra Keay, Managing Director of Silicon Valley Robotics, explored how robotics can enhance senior care. Here are the main takeaways:

1. AI vs. Robotics: Bridging the Gap

Keay emphasized a critical difference: AI processes information, while robotics takes action. While AI helps interpret data, robotics can translate that data into real-world tasks. This makes robotics particularly suited to hands-on caregiving roles in senior living.

2. Managing Expectations

Robotics often gets over-hyped because people tend to assume robots are smarter than they actually are. Keay warned against "humanizing" robots too soon. In senior care settings, mismatched expectations—like giving a robot “eyes” it can’t use to track movement—can create confusion and safety risks.

3. Current Applications and Barriers

From robot vacuums to self-driving vehicles, robotics is already revolutionizing industries, and senior care is poised to be next. However, the high cost and complex integration processes remain barriers. Keay urged leaders to view robots as long-term investments that can offset labor shortages.

4. Getting Started: Vision and Connectivity

Keay recommended two easy steps to prepare facilities for robotics: smart cameras and enhanced Wi-Fi. Even without full-scale automation, these upgrades can enhance safety and pave the way for future robotic solutions.

5. What’s Next?

Humanoid robots are maturing quickly, becoming more functional and affordable. Keay encouraged senior living leaders to actively engage with developers, ensuring that new technologies meet real needs.

As Keay noted, “Robotics is already here. It’s just not evenly distributed.” Now is the time for senior care leaders to shape this evolving technology.