TRiCmini+ - A Telepresence Robot for Interpersonal Communication for Older Adults

Aging is associated with an increased risk of isolation. Information and communication technologies have been utilized to assist homecare of older adults. However, in addition to transmitting vital sign data for healthcare purposes, older adults may expect to share their life experiences and feelings by different forms of interactions with their children and family members. Communication tools did facilitate interpersonal communication in terms of real-time verbal communication. Nevertheless, nonverbal communication, such as facial expression and body language, is more powerful and efficient in conveying ideas, thoughts, and emotions. "TRiC(mini)(+)" is a telepresence robot for interpersonal communication. It demonstrates extensive capability to provide different levels of "care delivery" to older adults through vital sign monitoring, interpersonal communication, robotic movements, and social network integration. TRiC(mini)(+) integrates two distinct applications, the "Care Delivery Frame (CDF)" and the telepresence robot. CDF is an App designed for older adults as an information channel on the tablet PC, which is also the "face" of TRiC(mini)(+). CDF is integrated with social network services, and remote caregivers can share messages, photos or video clips with older adults. Moreover, the tablet is also the control center of the robot. In this innovative control structure, the robot control App can be downloaded and maintained easily through the Internet. The prototype and functional test of TRiC(mini)(+) have been completed. Currently it is under usability evaluation, including the interface design and operation efficiency for both remote and local users. Finally, the effectiveness of communication will be evaluated in real application scenarios to confirm the "care delivery" in different forms provided by TRiC(mini)(+) actually meets the expectation of older adults.