‘Carebots’ are the mooted solution to the ageing crisis and staff shortages—but empathy and compassion are irreplaceable. The robotic pet Paro (seen here in Japan) is one thing but physical-assistance robots are another (Ned Snowman / shutterstock.com) Can robots feel responsibility and commitment? Can they offer sympathy, compassion and kindness? Can they tell if someone is feeling lonely, sad, fearful or depressed? Can robots be caring? A report commissioned by the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU)— ‘Carebots’ and the care crisis — explores how technology is affecting care homes for the elderly and what it means for […]
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