Universal design and social care: Assistive robots as other users of the built environment?

Abstract

The importance of designing architecture and physical environment using the Universal Design method so that all people have the opportunity to reside and participate in the environment has long been recognised. This design approach is even more important in housing for older adults and people with disabilities. However, even in environments designed according to universal design principles, the assistance of human staff is often necessary. We consider some of the routine and physically demanding activities of caregivers could be possibly replaced by robots. This would offer people who require care a greater degree of independence and relieve the burden on staff to give them more time for activities that robots cannot yet do. Robotics is a discipline covering various aspects of robot design and use. Apparently, numerous robots and robotic devices being developed for the social or healthcare sector, called Assistive Robots, are still in the concept, design or testing phase. However, this may change with the increasing investment in robotics and there is a need to be realistic about their possible use in the near future. Another considered robot type is a Butler or Service Robot which helps with delivering various objects including food or medicine. These types of robots require a barrier-free, accessible space to move around, similar to what people in wheelchairs or bedridden persons need for their movement and transfer. This paper publishes the results of a simulation of Assistive and Butler Robots in an extra-care housing facility, where social services with the help of robots are to be provided in the future. Manoeuvring of people and robots is simulated in a floorplan of the chosen model project of a family type house. Research aims to investigate the robots’ spatial requirements in a building project designed in accordance with universal design principles. The paper concludes with several answers to the questions posed and recommendations for the creation of residential buildings that support the symbiosis of humans and robots.

Keywords

• assistive robot
• butler robot
• architecture
• universal design
• built environment
• social care