While other robotic devices at CES 2016 are meant to make daily life easier and tasks streamlined, the R70i Aging Experience makes everyday activities more challenging by simulating the physical effects of old age.
Insurance company, Genworth, collaborated with engineers from Applied Minds to create this robotic aging suit, allowing people to literally step into the shoes of the elderly. Getting an idea about their future lives, CES attendees get strapped in -- experiencing vision loss, hearing impairment and reduced mobility. The smart suit can adjust weight and strain on the body to feel 10, 20 and 30 years older.
The R70i Aging Experience showcases the novel ways that virtual reality and robotics can be used to teach empathy, understanding and adjust human perceptions.
Aging Simulation Suits
The R70i Aging Experience Simulates Aging for Visitors at the CES 2016
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Reality Simulations - The R70i Aging Experience demonstrates the use of virtual reality to create realistic simulations of old age, opening opportunities for further development in training, therapy, and education.
2. Robotic Aging Suits - The R70i Aging Experience highlights the potential for robotic suits to simulate the physical effects of aging, offering possibilities for research, healthcare, and rehabilitation applications.
3. Empathy Training - The R70i Aging Experience showcases the use of technology to cultivate empathy and understanding by immersing individuals in the experience of old age, presenting prospects for empathy training in various fields.
Industry Implications
1. Education - The R70i Aging Experience presents opportunities for incorporating virtual reality simulations into educational curricula, enhancing learning experiences in disciplines such as healthcare, psychology, and social work.
2. Healthcare - The development of robotic aging suits inspired by the R70i Aging Experience could revolutionize geriatric care and rehabilitation, allowing healthcare professionals to better understand the challenges and needs of elderly patients.
3. Technology - The R70i Aging Experience exemplifies the intersection of virtual reality and robotics, driving innovation in the field of technology and inspiring new applications and advancements.