Desktop robots could help seniors with Parkinson’s become ‘King of the Bongos’

McKnight’s Senior Living November 2, 2023
Aaron Dorman

Small robots that fit on a desktop could become valuable tools for helping seniors with Parkinson’s disease overcome cognitive-motor difficulties, a new study shows.

Robots are becoming more common in the senior living space, but many are aimed at broader tasks, like cleaning or socializing, rather than targeting a specific cohort such as Parkinson’s patients. Roughly a quarter of those reside in assisted living or nursing homes.

Some robots are meant to help seniors with physical rehabilitation following stroke or heart failure, but creating robots that would address the specific needs of Parkinson’s patients is a newer concept, the robotics study authors said.

The squat, wheeled robots resemble space helmets, with a large push-button on top. They assist users...

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