Cobots: Understanding the implementation of collaborative robots in health and social care.

Collaborative robots in care, 'Cobots' are an innovative type of robots that are intended for direct collaboration with careworkers within a shared workspace. The sensors in the Cobot analyse the movement of the careworker and hence responds to assistance by supporting good ergonomics, gait rehabilitation and augmenting muscular strength. It helps in avoiding the very laborious and often repetitive work of careworkers like moving patients and undertaking strenuous physical activity. While the number of elderly people in need of care is rising, fewer people are willing to choose the healthcare worker job due to the high physical strain. Cobots are intended to support and relieve the workload of the careworkers. So far the evidence generated is mostly about the industrial use of robotic exoskeletons. Conducting an exploratory study will provide an overview of current practice among the careworkers regarding the user-centred design of Cobots and test the feasibility of using one carer per elderly. This research proposal also intends to help in focussing research efforts to support the large scale deployment of Cobots in a wider programme of care. Overall, less staff will be needed for routine work and specific tasks. Several researchers have reported a lack of clarity about how to bridge the requirements to meet hazard and risk analysis, as the current usability standards do not prescribe a specific safety assessment method. The benefits, risks, and limitations of Cobots can also be discussed.