Seniors now have a possible alternative to in-person caretakers, thanks to a home healthcare startup based in Fairfax that recently introduced Rudy, the first senior care robot commercially available in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
Resembling a child-sized person with a digital screen embedded in its torso, Rudy provides on-call access to emergency services around the clock, assistance with carrying and keeping track of commonly misplaced items, reminders for crucial appointments and taking medications, and activities such as games, music, and dancing to keep patients physically and mentally active.
The robot also has a video conferencing feature that lets users talk to family members and have scheduled virtual check-ins with professional caregivers.
The company completed a year-long pilot of Rudy in April. The now-patented robot was tested in nine different locations around the D.C. area, including the home care agency SenCura in Chantilly and Vinson Hall, an assisted living community in McLean.
With testing completed, Rudy is now available through INF Robotics’ partner agency, Comfort Keepers of Reston, which offers in-home care to seniors.
The robots are available for sale to both individuals and healthcare agencies to provide to patients.
For more information visit INF Robotics here.
