Sunrise's Nat and Shirvo shocked to meet Daisy, the ‘woman' set to solve the aged care workforce shortage
Daisy is an AI-powered robot who is set to solve the staffing shortage currently facing Australian nursing homes and aged care industry.
Described as a 'cutting-edge humanoid', Daisy can lead tai chi and mahjong classes, recite poetry, and have conversations with people.
Developed by Singaporean social robotics provider Dex-Lab, Daisy is not meant to replace aged care workers, only assist in duties — at least for now — according to the Australian Nursing Home Foundation.
Nat and Shirvo looked somewhat taken aback as they spoke with Daisy, asking her a number of questions.
Barr asked: 'Daisy, what do you like about working in aged care?'
Daisy replied: 'I love hearing life stories, sharing laughter, and helping seniors feel connected. It is heartwarming to be part of their daily joy. Even if I can't get hugs, I can always give smiles.'
Shirvo then asked: 'Daisy, what we love most about aged care is singing and dancing. Can you sing us a song?'
Daisy: 'I would love to but my operator needs to switch the mode on the tablet. Right now, we can chat away.'
Barr asked Daisy what she thought of the Sunrise studio.
Daisy replied: 'It is so vibrant and lively here. The energy is fantastic. It makes me even more excited to be here in Australia.'
The robot finished by demonstrating a dance.
Australia is facing a shortfall of more than 70,000 nurses by 2035, according to The Department of Health and Aged Care's Nursing Supply and Demand Study.
Australian Nursing Home Foundation CEO Ada Cheng explained Daisy could help fill some of the gaps in aged care facilities.
'Daisy is wonderful. Since she has come, she is singing and dancing with the elderly, doing exercises, and she is also very good in one-on-one talking — always patient, always encouraging,' Cheng said.
'All people love to talk to her because she is not replacing our staff, she is supporting our staff.'
Cheng explained Daisy was a 'very knowledgeable lady' who can lead group exercises, freeing up qualified human staff for 'one-on-one support' for individuals who need it.
She was also a 'very good support tool' because she can also lead singalongs and karaoke, enabling human staff to attend to other duties — or even have a deserved break.
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