Background
‘Cobots’ are robotic exoskeletons that are worn around the lower back and actively support people in moving objects or supporting others. Care workers often undertake strenuous physical activity, like moving patients, and are at risk of musculoskeletal injury, preventing them from performing their duties. Cobots can help limit the injury risk by reducing the effort and forces required for moving and handling. The care workforce is regionally facing challenges, with rising demand (in greater care burden) and recruitment difficulties. Cobots are an assistive technology, which could help reduce the demands facing the care workforce.
Overview
Cobots have recently been adopted by Hampshire County Council’s care services, in partnership with Japanese robotics developer, Cyberdyne. Cobots were initially deployed in care settings, and then in community settings during the Coronavirus-19 pandemic. Hampshire Council now aims to integrate Cobots into the wider programme of care, with large-scale deployment over the next few years. To support the Council’s aims, this PhD programme will help determine:
1. What is the current evidence of the effectiveness of Cobots in health and social care settings (systematic review)?
2. What are the perspectives and experiences of care workers using Cobots (qualitative research)?
3. Development and validation of technology in residential and community settings
a. What are the barriers and facilitators for accepting assistive technologies (particularly Cobots) in standard social care practice?
b. What outcomes are important when measuring the effectiveness of Cobots for care workers?
c. Assessing and validating key outcomes when using technology (e.g. Cobots) in social care practice (quantitative research)
4. Monitoring Cobots use in clinical/community settings, through recording of adherence and the incidence of musculoskeletal injury.
5. Case study: How did the concept of implementing a new technology (Cobots) emerge?
a. What lessons can be learnt for the future?
b. What guidelines can be developed for deployment in other County Councils?
Project Outline
This project is a collaboration between the University of Southampton, Hampshire County Council and a robotics company, Cyberdyne. The project will see academics from occupational therapy, biomechanics and social sciences, working with care managers from Hampshire County Council. This will involve multidisciplinary working, and involve consultation with the public, care workers and the robotics developer.
Application Web Page
https://www.southcoastdtp.ac.uk/apply-cobots/
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