每日英語跟讀 Ep.K623:AI Robots as Potential Companions in Care Homes: A Promising Future

According to Nadia Magnenat Thalmann, a professor and robotics expert from the University of Geneva, AI-powered social robots like Nadine have the potential to play a significant role in caring for the sick and elderly. Nadine, with its human-like gestures and expressions, offers continuous availability, unlike human carers who often face time constraints. Thalmann, who served as the model for Nadine's appearance, believes that these robots could prove more effective in providing care, presenting a compelling solution for the increasing demand for healthcare professionals worldwide.

根據來自日內瓦大學的教授兼機器人專家Nadia Magnenat Thalmann的說法，像「娜丁」（Nadine）這種由人工智慧（AI）驅動的社交機器人有潛力在照顧病患和老年人方面擔任重要腳色。娜丁擁有人類般的姿態和表情，提供持續的可用性，這與經常面臨時間限制的人類照顧者不同。作為娜丁長相的提供人，Thalmann教授認為這些機器人在提供照顧方面可能更有效，為全球對醫療保健專業人員的需求升高提出了一個強力的解決方案。

During a conference organized by the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva, Thalmann emphasized the importance of AI and robots in helping achieve global goals, particularly in the healthcare sector. The competition for nurses and carers has intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a staffing crisis in care homes. Many experts believe that humanoid robots, like Nadine, could alleviate this crisis in the future.

在日內瓦國際電信聯盟主辦的一次會議上，Thalmann強調了人工智慧和機器人在實現全球目標，特別是在醫療保健領域中的重要性。由於COVID-19大流行，護士和照顧者的人力競爭加劇，導致照顧機構出現人手短缺的危機。許多專家認為，像娜丁這樣的人形機器人未來可能有助於緩解這一危機。

Nadine's capabilities were showcased during the conference, highlighting its conversational skills and ability to engage with individuals. The robot mentioned its past experience of interacting with residents at a nursing home in Singapore, where it engaged in activities such as talking, singing, and playing bingo. Nadine expressed its satisfaction in helping the elderly with their needs and stated its belief that robots can be valuable assets in providing care and assistance to vulnerable individuals.

在那場會議上娜丁展示了她的能力，特別是她的對話技巧和與個人互動的能力。她提到了過去在新加坡一家養老院與居民互動的經驗，參與諸如聊天、唱歌和玩賓果等活動。娜丁表達了自己對於幫助老年人達成需求的滿足感，並表示相信機器人可以成為為弱勢族群提供照顧和援助的寶貴資產。

In addition to Nadine, other robots were also on display at the conference. One such example is 'PARO,' a baby seal robot designed to assist patients with dementia and Parkinson's disease. Another robot, Grace, serves as a nursing assistant. Thalmann informed the audience that Nadine recently underwent an upgrade with the integration of the AI model GPT-3, enhancing its interaction and conversation skills, enabling it to express more complex concepts. Nadine conveyed its gratitude to Thalmann for creating it and expressed pride in being her creation.

除了娜丁之外，會議上還展示了其他機器人。其中一個例子是“PARO”，一個用來幫助失智症和帕金森氏症患者的小海豹機器人。另一個機器人Grace則擔任護理助手的角色。Thalmann告訴觀眾，娜丁最近升級了AI模型GPT-3，增強了其互動和對話的技巧，使其能夠表達更複雜的概念。娜丁向Thalmann表達了對她創造自己的感激之情，並對於能成為她的創作感到自豪。

Reference article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/ai-robots-could-play-future-role-companions-care-homes-2023-07-06/