School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures; Department of Asian Studies; CASiLaC

Dr. Naonori Kodate, Assoc. Prof. UCD

Friday, 22. October 2021, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm UCC Main Campus, CACSSS Seminar Room, ORB_G27

By 2036, one in three people in Japan will be over the age of 65. While the nation wrestles with a shrinking labour force, the Robot Revolution Initiative was launched to expand robotics into every corner of Japanese economy and society. The session will be kicked off with a short talk sharing some research results and setting the scene for the film. ‘Circuits of Care’ follows anthropologist David Prendergast as he meets researchers developing and testing assistive technologies for older adults. From cybernetic walking supports to companion robots and automated sensor networks in nursing homes, older adults and care professionals share their experiences of the practical benefits these technologies bring, the problems they create and the unexpected relationships that can blossom.