Robotic Caregiver Offers Support for New Hampshire Couple Facing Disabilities

Brenda and Brian Marquis found a new source of support after losing their second service dog. Their new companion is Robbie, a robot that assists them with daily tasks. Brian Marquis, 59, living with a traumatic brain injury from a 2012 car crash, benefits from Robbie’s assistance in exercise and reminders.

The pursuit of useful home robots has been in progress for decades, inspired by fictional creations like The Jetsons’ maid, Rosie. While such robots remain rare, the aging U.S. population and a shortage of home care aides highlight the need for alternatives. The Marquis family found their technological solution in a University of New Hampshire lab, supported by the National Institute of Aging.

A Robot with Practical Applications

The robot, named Stretch 4 by its creators, primarily aids people with dementia. It provides vital reminders and assistance with daily tasks. Brenda Marquis, who lives with her husband in Durham, New Hampshire, stated, “We’ve been kind of trapped here in New Hampshire, struggling to find reliable home care support.” The couple, both 59, face physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.

Momotaz Begum, a UNH computer science professor, connected with Brenda after she sought advice on robotic aids. Begum’s team focuses on socially assistive robots for dementia patients. Although some elder care units showed a preference for pet-like robot designs, feedback on the Stretch robot’s appearance — likened to a coat rack — revealed appearance mattered less to users.

Emergence of Caregiving Robots

Currently, many older adults rely on AI-powered speakers like Alexa for support. Companies are developing more advanced elder companions like the tabletop machine ElliQ. However, these devices lack the mobility needed for practical caregiving.

Hello Robot, the maker of Stretch, emphasizes the simplicity of its design. CEO Aaron Edsinger noted, “Our robot is pragmatic. If it looked humanoid, expectations would be too high.” The Stretch 4, with its telescoping gripper, can assist with simple tasks such as holding a water bottle or reading a prescription.

Manufactured in Martinez, California, and priced at nearly $30,000, Stretch 4 is not yet as common as other household devices but offers essential support for its users.

Impact on Daily Life

Brian Marquis highlights the robot’s impact on his routine: “I was never into technology, but I couldn’t remember to wash my face. The robot set me free.” For Brenda, it reduces daily responsibilities and expenses, allowing her to leave home and make necessary errands.

Overall, Stretch 4 provides a glimpse into the practical applications of robots in assisting those with disabilities, offering freedom and reassurance for caregivers and patients alike.