Hampshire County Council has become the first UK local authority to trial so-called cobots – robotic lower back harnesses - in the UK care sector.
In partnership with PA Consulting-led Argenti Care Technology Partnership and Japanese robotics developer Cyberdyne, Hampshire council is testing ‘HAL Lumbar Type’ technology to explore how cobots could help with the physical demands faced by care staff.
Cobots are worn around the lower back and actively support carers in moving objects or supporting people.
Using electrodes, cobots can also detect electrical signals between the wearer's brain and their muscles and convert this into motion.
PA Consulting claims the use of a cobot has shown care for a person with complex needs, which may have previously required two carers working together, can, in some instances, be delivered effectively by a single individual.
“That not only alleviates some social distancing concerns but will also help to make the social care system more resilient. In Hampshire alone, it is estimated that an extra 6,000 people in caring jobs could be needed over the next five years,” it said.
Hampshire County Council's executive member for adult social care and health Liz Fairhurst said: "Through our partnership with PA Consulting, we are proud to be at the forefront of using technology in care to assist people to live as independently as possible. Our trial of cobots is all about our carers-kit which supports them and makes their job easier.
She added: "While we don't yet know the extent to which cobots will help transform the delivery of care, early results are very promising, and I am increasingly confident that we will see them play an important role in supporting our care workforce both now, and in the future.
