An industry targeting Australia's ageing population is growing, but can AI deliver more humanity in aged care?

Wendy Moyle leads the social robotics laboratory at Queensland’s Griffith University and envisions technology that helps people remain at home or frees carers in residential homes for more human connection. She cites rapid advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, including a virtual hospital already operating in China. She warns that engineers often develop inventions without involving health professionals and end users, exemplified by a lifting machine that residents refused due to fear of its size and being lifted high. Australia faces an ageing population, aged-care workforce shortages, and ongoing neglect and abuse issues, and technology is not a cure-all. In Toowoomba, St Vincent’s Care uses a Swiss Alps train experience and a Lourdes Station replica to reduce boredom and bring hope. Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia reports that virtual reality can improve mood, cognition, memory, problem solving, and spatial awareness.

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