L’Ajuntament de Barcelona has approved the tender for the purchase and deployment of 600 ARI social robots with the aim of improving home care for elderly people in the initial phase of cognitive impairment or in a situation of dependency.
This advanced telecare pilot project will be financed with 3.8 million euros from Next Generation EU funds.
The ARI robots are designed to complement the work of professionals in the social sector, without replacing human care. Among their main functions are the detection of emergency situations in the home, such as falls or domestic accidents, the management of reminders for medical appointments or medication, and the resolution of specific doubts.
They are also expected to contribute to combating unwanted loneliness among the elderly.
Of the total number of units purchased, 400 will be installed in private homes and 200 will be managed by the Department of Social Rights of the Generalitat de Catalunya for use in residential centers.
If the program is successful, the contract provides for the possibility of expansion to 1,000 robots.