Eldercare applications for robotics technologies have interested researchers for some time now. They have monitored vital signs, aided with physical therapy, and helped seniors navigate through nursing homes. According to one University of Missouri professor, however, it is unclear which, if any, of these types of solutions will be widely used.

“There is a temptation to propose a robotic solution just because robots are cool,” says Marjorie Skubic, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. “However, the key to making a successful product for the mass market is identifying a need and then proposing a solution that addresses that need.”

For this reason, Skubic is working with MU College of Engineering students to find practical solutions to mitigate risks for seniors. “The solution may not look like our current idea of a robot,” Skubic explains, “but may have some interesting robotic components.”