Hugo is designed to be autonomous and navigate in domestic environments. It can recognize and track humans and objects and thus make sure that it does not run into them.
"The robot is able to detect abnormal situations through its cameras and the 3D-data computed by the sensors," explains Jorge Dias, coordinator of the GrowMeUp project. If it detects a fall, it would get in touch with "first carers", report the situation and set up a teleconference with the elderly person to determine whether help should be sent.
In less dramatic circumstances the robot could remind a person to take their medicine. "It could also provide discussions or interactive games that stimulate the cognitive and communication processes," says Ana Santos, caregiver of the Caritas de Coimbra, adding that such encouragement "is much needed, as these persons live alone, and they speak less and less".
GrowMeUp is a 3 year project until January 2018. It has a total budget of 3.4 million Euros. The EU contributes almost 2.8 million Euros.
A report on the GrowMeUp project is featured on Futuris, the science programme of the pan-European television channel Euronews. It can be watched anytime online (see links below) and on TV until 26 February 2017 at the following times:
Saturday 06:45, 12:15, 22:15
Sunday 10:45, 20:45
All times Central European Time.
If you are in Ireland, Portugal or the United Kingdom: Tune in 1 hour earlier.
If you are in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania or Romania: Tune in 1 hour later.
Euronews video (4:30) - also available in DE, EL, ES, FR, HU, IT, PT and further languages
"Takeaway" (0:52), short version of the video. English subtitles, no narration.