Remember when the pinnacle of retired technology was a universal remote control? Well, get ready for a drastic upgrade. Imagine waking up in your home to find breakfast ready, a clean house, and a robotic personal assistant ready to help you with your day.
You haven't won the lottery: you are only in a possible future, that of retirement assisted by artificial intelligence. Humanoid robots are (also) knocking on the door of the elderly, promising to revolutionize the very concept of retired life.
The robotic revolution in the elderly
The world of retirement is about to undergo a radical transformation. Companies like Tesla e figure are developing humanoid robots that could soon become an integral part of the daily lives of the elderly.
These are no longer the clumsy, limited robots we saw in 80s sci-fi movies. They will be sophisticated assistants capable of carrying out a wide range of household tasks, and even holding basic conversations.
From factories to retirement homes
Initially designed to work in factories, these robots are rapidly evolving towards domestic applications. The robot F.02 of Figures, for example: it is 1,70 meters tall, weighs around 70 kg and can work for 20 hours before recharging. Imagine having one around to lift weights, clean, and even prepare meals, all without ever complaining (maybe).
Of course, this advanced technology comes at a price. Currently, the production of a humanoid robot it costs between $30.000 and $150.000. Industry experts predict that costs will decrease over time, making these robotic assistants accessible to a wider audience. One day we will find them in electronics stores next to refrigerators and washing machines, or in car dealerships.
The appliance for retirement
I am very keen to maintain a certain distance between the human and the machine, but I know well that it is a minuet destined for defeat. The truth is that these robots are not just household chore machines. Thanks to integration with artificial intelligence, they could become real "life companions".
Imagine the combination of an assistant who not only reminds you to take your medicine, but who can also discuss with you the latest book you read or last night's football game. Maybe while you wait a medical consultation (remote).
It is clear that the prospect of introducing humanoid robots into the homes of the elderly raises a number of ethical and social questions. What impact will it have on the quality of human relationships? Can we really entrust the care of our loved ones to machines, no matter how advanced? Here we need a lot, lots of philosophy.
The past retires
Despite the challenges, it seems the future is coming faster than we think. Companies like ElliQ they are already producing “Care-Bots”, AI devices to combat the loneliness of the elderly. And with the aging of the global population and the decrease in the number of young people, the demand for robotic assistance is expected to grow.
Maybe it's time to reconsider what it means to retire. Instead of dreaming of a new sports car or a beach house, we may soon find ourselves saving for our future robotic companion. To leave some space in our living room for a 1,70 meter tall thing, made of metal and silicon, which doesn't put any heart into it because it doesn't have any, but is second to none in terms of commitment.
