WSU Smart‑Home Tests First Elder‑Care Robot

Washington State University’s Robot Activity Support System (RAS) brings a mobile robot into a sensor‑rich smart home. The system recognizes daily activities and spots when someone might need help—missed meds, skipped meals, wandering—then gives the right prompt at the right time. The aim is simple: independent living for longer, with less risk.

What it does: context‑aware prompts, hydration/medication reminders, routine reinforcement, and caregiver alerts for safety anomalies.

Assistive Robots: Reminders & Safety

Simple, dependable behavior beats flashy tricks. Robots can nudge hydration, meds, movement, and appointments—then escalate alerts when something looks off. For seniors and disabled adults, these little nudges add up to confidence.

Companionship That Matters

Social robots like ElliQ reduce loneliness and encourage healthy habits—move, hydrate, call family—while keeping caregivers in the loop. They don’t replace people; they shrink the gaps.