Crazy elderly people in The Hague are turning away from a digital Valentine | to know

So for the home staff, Rivierenbuurt Residential Care Center, the last hour has come? “No, no,” the driver protested Gretie de Groth. “Our robot is an addition. It takes work out of the hands of others. This is absolutely necessary.”

trays

The Hague Valentine now specializes in entertaining groups of homeowners in the communal living room. “But the robot can also be programmed to deliver linen or collect empty trays,” says godfather Jeroen Wildenbest. “The more time employees have available to perform their care tasks.”

Pictures

The mechanical engineer, who taught at TU Delft while researching for his doctorate, has developed software for care robots, including Valentijns, with his company Digi Nova. With this software, Pepper Zorgt, tasks can be programmed into digital assistants. For example: “It’s 5:30 p.m. It’s almost time to eat.” But also songs or pictures. In the Cloud, So they don’t get lost. “Some functions, such as rapid movements, act locally,” he says. „Because through Cloud Commandos travel for a long time.”

“Employees now have more time to care”

That is why the swirling Valentine has a computer screen on his stomach, which the elderly can press to hear their favorite songs or see their family photos.”

brain

Talk schedules can also be set in his digital brain. “We can have him respond to questions and comments that are out of order for the day in the resident groups,” explains Dr. Wildenbest. “The program is based on assumptions of what will be discussed.”

Telephone

The advantage of the software, which can be controlled by Android or Apple, is that Valentijn can be programmed remotely, via a phone, laptop or computer. „But most of them are in Cloud And it doesn’t need to be adjusted daily.”

Folder

This means that family members can also access their father’s or grandmother’s folder. “They can use new songs or pictures at home. This way we engage the family with the residents.”

Experience

Valentine is having a trial in Riviernport. “We are very excited so far,” says director Greetje de Grooth. She predicts that in the future, Valentine will lead everywhere in healthcare due to staffing shortages. “They provide peace of mind in the organization.”