RoboBusiness 2011, Nov 2-3, 2011, Boston, MA

Conference Workshop: International Symposium on Robotics and Quality of Life

Monday, October 22:
1:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Conference Workshop

Life expectancies in most of the world, and particularly in industrialized states, have been on the increase since 1900. Due to advances in healthcare, the average age of the older population is increasing. In 2030, more than 20 percent of the U.S. population will be 65+ years old. In addition, as the baby boom generation reaches retirement age, the percentage of the population above age 65 in industrialized countries is also increasing. The result is that many countries will be severely challenged by what epidemiologists refer to as “double aging.” Older adults, who have higher expectations than previous generations (and will not age in the same way) will increasingly choose to continue to live at home rather than be in assisted living facilities or in nursing homes. They will demand that advances in technology be leveraged to overcome the disabilities associated with aging. That includes technology that will allow seniors to live independently, exercise control over their life, and minimize their dependence upon family and medical institutions.

This workshop takes attendees on a tour de force through the issues, opportunities and requirements for robotics in the quality of life care and support realm. From market sizing, distribution channels and business models to specific looks at technology solutions such as prosthetics, orthotics, rehab and therapy and in-house telepresence and assistance, this workshop has you covered. We’ll even share information on developments and solutions from Europe and around the world.

A must attend for health and assistive care solution providers who want to be stay on the cutting edge of technology and for robotics and other technology companies who want to play in this huge, complicated and lucrative market.

SCHEDULE
1:00 PM - 1:05 PM ● Introduction by Workshop Moderator
1:05 PM - 1:50 PM ● Developing Quality of Life Technology and Market
1:55 PM - 2:40 PM ● Developing Robotic Technologies to Help Those with Disabilities - To Include Our Wounded Warriors
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM ● The Current State and Future of Robotic Rehabilitation/Therapeutic Systems
3:35 PM - 4:20 PM ● Processors for Roaming Robots
4:25 PM - 4:55 PM ● Implementation of Robotics in a Swedish Health Care Environment
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM ● Realizing the Promise of Healthcare and Quality of Life Robotics


Introduction by Workshop Moderator
1:00 PM - 1:05 PM
Dan Kara (President, Electra Studios)

Developing Quality of Life Technology and Market
1:05 PM - 1:50 PM
Jim "Oz" Osborn (Executive Director, Quality of Life Technology Center, Carnegie Mellon University)

Life expectancies in most of the world, and particularly in industrialized states, have been on the increase since 1900. Due to advances in healthcare, the average age of the older population is increasing. In 2030, more than 20 percent of the U.S. population will be 65+ years old. In addition, as the ‘baby boom’ generation reaches retirement age, the percentage of the population above age 65 in industrialized countries is also increasing The result is that many countries will be severely challenged by what epidemiologists refer to as ‘double aging’.  Older adults, who have higher expectations than previous generations and will not age in the same way, will increasingly choose to continue to live at home rather than be in assisted living facilities or in nursing homes. They will demand that advances in technology be leveraged to overcome the disabilities associated with aging. That includes technology that will allow seniors to live independently, exercise control over their life, and minimize their dependence upon their family and medical institutions.

In this enlightening session, attendees will learn what it takes to develop quality of life technologies for use in the home and in healthcare institutions. Topics include market sizing, product development, payment models, and distribution channel.

Developing Robotic Technologies to Help Those with Disabilities - To Include Our Wounded Warriors
1:55 PM - 2:40 PM
Rick Lynch

Lieutenant General Rick Lynch (US Army, Retired) will present his views on how we can use robotic technology to improve the quality of life of those suffering with disabilities.  He is the Executive Director of the University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute, and their mission is to accelerate the fielding of advanced technologies to help humanity.  While on active duty General Lynch commanded 25,000 Soldiers in Iraq, and later commanded  Fort Hood, Texas.  He will use those experiences to discuss the impact of over a decade at war on our Soldiers and their Families, and how focused research on robotic technology could help improve the quality of life of these American heroes.

The Current State and Future of Robotic Rehabilitation/Therapeutic Systems
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
James Patton (Research Scientist, Associate Director for the Center of Rehabilitation Robotics, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)

Robotic rehabilitation/therapeutic systems are those robotic technologies that support the restoration of function following physical trauma, medical intervention or the advent of disease. The devices themselves automate those physical and occupational therapy routines that are routinely performed manually by therapists.

It is the growing aging of populations and the increasing number of people surviving strokes and other brain injuries that are the primary market drivers for robotic rehabilitation systems. Robotic rehabilitation and therapeutic systems can reduce treatment costs, enhance the therapy procedure, and increase therapist productivity.Given the great social need and demonstrable benefits, it comes as no surprise that a number of robotic rehabilitation and therapeutic technology have come to market. Many opportunities exist for companies that can bring novel, effective solutions to market. The frontier for innovation is to develop  approaches that cannot otherwise be done in the conventional therapy clinic.

Processors for Roaming Robots
3:35 PM - 4:20 PM
David Niewolny (Medical Segment Manager, Freescale Semiconductor)

For robots that roam the real world, whether on the battlefield, the senior center, or in hospital hallways, there exists a staggering assortment of commercially-available high-performance low-cost embedded processor options.  Many single-chip solutions include memory, display and motor controllers, network connections, USB, audio and camera inputs, and other typical inputs and controls.  This session will simplify your processor search by featuring reference platforms and processor solutions best suited for mobile service and personal robotics applications.

Implementation of Robotics in a Swedish Health Care Environment
4:25 PM - 4:55 PM
Adam Hagman (Manager Health Robotics, Robotdalen)

The human race has always used technology to overcome major challenges. Many believe, that technology will assist us with the coming demographic challenge, namely an increasing population of elderly citizens who will require care and a decline in the number of people who can provide that care.  Governments and businesses across the world are investing billions into development of robotic devices that will take care of our future seniors.

But are we on the right track?  The elder care industry has so far shown great skepticism to robotic solutions. Why? What about the funding for these solutions?  What are the differences between Europe, Asia and US?  This presentation, which draws from the world’s largest test-bed for technologies for independent life, will answer these questions and more.

Realizing the Promise of Healthcare and Quality of Life Robotics
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Claus Risager (Head of the Danish Technological Institute, Robotics Technology)

Robotics is viewed by business leaders and government officials as playing a major role in addressing a number of pressing healthcare and quality of life challenges. The same conclusion has been reached by academics, where robotics is regarded as a key means to provide better healthcare services and a better life while reducing costs.  But the development and commercial application of healthcare robotics technology can be daunting.  In this illuminating session, Claus Risager, Head of the Danish Technological Institute, Robotics Technology, describes the state of robotics healthcare and quality of life initiatives, and how the Danish Technological Institute is well positioned to lead in  these efforts and partner with others.