Cobots

What are collaborative robots (cobots)? 

Cobots are robots that work in conjunction with, not instead of, a human. They're worn as an active exoskeleton to help the wearer move and carry out physical tasks, reducing the load and stress on the waist during care delivery tasks such as moving, dressing and bathing. 

Each device has strength settings that can be altered by a carer to ensure that sufficient lumbar support is provided when carrying out moving and handling tasks.  

What are the benefits of using cobots?

  • Greater independent working, reducing two carer packages

  • Improved moving and handling techniques across carers, reducing sickness and injury rates

  • Reduction in payments over standard rates when demand exceeds availability

  • Reduction in the use of agency staff

  • Reducing residential placements for users that can't be accommodated by the domicilary care sector

  • Instilling confidence in the use of tech to meet needs across the care sector

Hampshire County Council has trialled the use of cobots and gathered feedback from carers, providers, managers, service users, occupational therapists and others, suggesting that their use made care delivery easier, and allowed some carers to deliver more care independently, without the need for a second carer. 

"Loved everything about it. It made me feel better at the end of the shift. Not so tired and slept better. Not wearing your body out, not pushing it to the limits."

Nursing care worker

"I have bad back ache so it made me feel more supported. It really reduced aches and pains in my back."

Reablement care worker

"If you've got to lift/roll you don't mind because it doesn't feel like hard work. I just moved the mobile hoist on the carpet and it was effortless. I did it independently and it was no problem."

Reablement care worker

The following information illustrates the key benefits Hampshire CC gathered from the feedback they received, showing what can be enabled through using cobots in care delivery, and the overall outcomes that can be achieved.

What does a cobot do?

  • Enhances effective moving and handling technique
  • Provides physical support around the lower back when bending

How this helps care delivery

  • Easier to deliver care, even when environment not ideal
  • Easier to use equipment, particularly hoists and stand aids
  • Feel less fatigue and/or aches/pains
  • Feel more confident in care delivery

Follow-on benefits

  • More independent care delivery
  • Redution in carer burn out

Outcomes achieved

  • More efficient care delivery
  • Good carers stay in the profession for longer
  • Carers feel valued and experience greater career satisfaction
  • Service users experience greater continuity of care and more person-centred care