Social robot named RYAN: A beacon of hope for seniors in care facilities

ByGemma Iso

October 19, 2023

In the heart of the University of Denver’s robotics lab, a social robot named RYAN, short for Robot You Always Need, has been developed.

The robotics department at DU is at the forefront of social robotics research, with a particular focus on integrating robots like RYAN into retirement homes.

Professor Mohammed Mahoor, the visionary director of the computer vision and social robotics laboratory, has a specific mission in mind — to build robots that can assist caregivers in interacting with elderly individuals battling depression.

“We initially explored seven different customer segments, but ultimately, we realized that senior care facilities represent a significant market. We can truly make an impact there,” Mahoor emphasized.

RYAN: The social robot

RYAN is no ordinary robot. Designed to combat social isolation in older adults, it sports a customizable, slightly cartoonish face created through internal image projection within its head. RYAN engages users with an array of activities, from games and music to stimulating conversations and even yoga lessons.

In a different senior care facility near the University of Denver, 76-year-old Steve Auten had the privilege of interacting with RYAN for an extended period. For over two months, he hosted RYAN in his apartment, engaging in games of chess and enjoying AI-scripted humor.

“RYAN was nice to have around. He was always positive, and cheerful. He was just a lot of fun,” Auten said.

With these successful trials under their belt, Mahoor and his dedicated team are currently working on the fourth iteration of RYAN, with mass production as their ultimate goal.

Can a robot replace human caregivers?

As robots start to make their way into assisted living facilities, the journey ahead is long but full of promise. These robots not only offer respite to caregivers by lightening their daily workload but also hold the potential to enhance the quality of life for the patients they serve.

While a robot can never truly replace a human caregiver, it can certainly lend a helping, bionic hand to our beloved grandparents, making their lives a little brighter.