daily tasks. “We’ve got 10 operational robots that assist our staff,” Lee reveals. “These robots are not here to replace human workers but to support them, making their jobs easier and safer.” ROBOTICS IN AGED CARE Lutheran Homes Barossa is at the forefront of integrating robotics into aged care practices, a move that has garnered attention worldwide. “We’ve had contact from Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada, and the United States,” Lee says. “It’s becoming apparent that our facility is leading the world in introducing robotics in supportive aged care practices.” The robots at Lutheran Homes Barossa perform various functions, all designed to improve efficiency and reduce the physical strain on staff. For example, two “truck robots” transport food trolleys, laundry, and other items between the facility’s four wings. “These robots save our staff from walking an estimated 9,000 kilometers per year,” Lee explains. “They also reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, a significant issue in aged care.” Another innovation is using cleaning robots that operate during the early morning hours, cleaning over 1,000 square meters of corridors.“This ensures that when our staff and residents start their day, they are greeted by clean, freshly maintained environments,” Lee says. ENHANCING RESIDENT COMFORT AND INTERACTION One of the most intriguing robots is “Paro,” a comfort robot that resembles a baby seal. Paro is interactive, responding to touch and sound with movements and sounds of its own.“Paro is very calming for residents experiencing stress or behavioral issues,” Lee notes. The facility also employs “Temi,” a robot stationed in 27 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 LUTHERAN HOMES BAROSSA
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx