Robot Design For Use In Healthcare

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 1
ROBOT DESIGN FOR USE IN HEALTHCARE
Name of student
Institution
Date

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 2
Table of Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................4
Project Background...............................................................................................................................4
Aims of the study project......................................................................................................................5
Resources and Restraints......................................................................................................................6
Literature review.......................................................................................................................................7
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................7
History of medical robots......................................................................................................................7
Features of medical robots....................................................................................................................7
Types of robots utilized in the medical field........................................................................................8
Hospital robots.......................................................................................................................................8
Surgical robots...................................................................................................................................9
Care robots.......................................................................................................................................10
Exoskeletons.....................................................................................................................................10
Use of robotics and autism..................................................................................................................11
A critical review of the past pieces of literature................................................................................13
Methodology and approach....................................................................................................................19
Approach..............................................................................................................................................19
Robot hardware...................................................................................................................................20
Face and hand detection..................................................................................................................20
Face and hand tracking...................................................................................................................21
Therapeutic protocol...............................................................................................................................22
Eye contact...........................................................................................................................................22
Joint attention......................................................................................................................................23
Body imitation......................................................................................................................................24
Facial expression imitation.................................................................................................................24
Fundamental requirements.....................................................................................................................25
Test plan indicators.............................................................................................................................26
Documentations of the system design.................................................................................................27
The Relationship Entity Diagram...................................................................................................27
UML.................................................................................................................................................28
The Architecture of the system...........................................................................................................29

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Design of the UI...................................................................................................................................30
The Report implementation................................................................................................................30
Discussion.................................................................................................................................................32
Trends of technology used in robotics................................................................................................32
Impacts of robotic technology.............................................................................................................33
Impacts of robotics on job production/ efficiency.........................................................................33
Impacts of robotics on job loss........................................................................................................34
Regulatory and Ethical concerns within the system.............................................................................34
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................40
Bibliography..............................................................................................................................................41
APPENDIX..................................................................................................................................................49
Chatbot (Speech Bot Simulator) Development....................................................................................49

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Introduction.
Robotics as a study branch, particularly entails the use of information, electronics and
mechanical forms of engineering (Halperin, Kavraki and Solovey 2017). Robots are, machines
that result from robotics science and have a lot of features similar to humans in relation to most
activities they perform. For some industries around the world, robots are being used for purposes
of achieving quality products and in performance of a lot of work which humans cannot easily
perform within a short time. Development of software to mimic autistic patients is explained in
this study work. Furthermore, a system that aids in non-verbal and verbal communicability of
patients is formed.
Project Background
Performance of work using robots has grown to be a common practice among many industries on
a daily basis around the world (Yang et al. 2018). The working protocols and modern market
segments have been majorly improved by robotics engineering. This practice has helped improve
efficiency in performing work while at the same time reducing the operational cost within most
companies. Robots have been commonly used in a number of fields ranging from industries,
hospitals to other educational institutions (Taylor et al. 2016). This study project has majorly
criticized the application of robots in hospitals where it is used in monitoring the non-verbal and
verbal communicability of autistic patients through a software system which is developed. This
software system required is to be able to enhance communicability skills in autistic patients.
This will, therefore, act as a remedy to help in treating those autistic patients. It is worth noting
that robotics engineering has a range of merits (Miller and Nourbakhsh 2016), and especially in
this study where is used in the treatment of individuals instead of using health workers. As a
result, this will help improve efficiency and minimize errors while performing the activities

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involved. There is fatigue which can be experienced by a human being but never experienced by
robots which can severally perform similar tasks repeatedly without being fatigued (Selig, 2017).
All these concepts are all addressed in this study project. In addition, production of human-like
robots with similar characteristic using the same software is also an aim to aid autistic patients in
communication and learning in this study project.
Aims of the study project
This study project is aimed at developing a communication assistant through mechanized robots
to be used in health facilities and other related organizations. By the end of this study project, the
target is that information formulated will be reliable enough to be used in improving non-verbal
and verbal communicability and learning skills in those underprivileged individuals.
Alternatively, the information gained in this study could also be important to individuals who
have access to it in interviews while searching for jobs.
Objectives of the project
Currently, this project study has a number of objectives. Basically, is to be able to develop non-
verbal and verbal communication assistant using a software system. Through this, the objective
of this project would be achieved.
 Firstly, this study project objective is to be able to develop a simulator assistant which
can be mechanically combined in robots. The software system to be used to mimic
autistic patients is to be developed with the help of a python with will help in
implementing the verbal and non-verbal communicability in those patients (Jobski et al.
2017).
 Secondly, an assessment of whether robots are efficient enough in performing work is
examined. Several sections in this study project have indicated that robots are really

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efficient to perform work in various companies. The assessment of effectiveness in the
performance of work and the end products is important.
 Thirdly, this study project objective is to determine the technologies and current trends
effective for developing robots. Those technologies which can be potentially useful in the
development of robots Is therefore critical in this project.
 The other objective of this project is to determine the effects of using robots to aid in
learning in disabled individuals.
 Finally, this project objectively aims to determine the effects of robotics technology on
people's jobs.
Resources and Restraints.
Certain fundamental requirements had to be met for this project to be effectively completed.
There is a need for internet access to carry out research. Other learning materials such as books
and journals related to robotics engineering is also a requirement. Competent personnel in
mechanical and software engineering who can operate the robots and computer systems is also
required. The data obtained in those computer systems are considered confidential and are only
accessible to by few.

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Literature review
Introduction
With the high rise in the ageing population more so in the developed nations, the use of robots is
gaining momentum in the nursing homes specifically in the assistive medical care. For such
robots to be able to meet the various needs of the elderly population as well as those with special
care, there is the need to focus on more implementation modes (Wass and Porayska, 2014). The
most probably human mode is speech, and thus the robot requires the general capabilities as well
as speech recognition. Currently, most of the focus has been directed to the implementation of
flexible robotic speech generation frameworks which ill offer a high degree of expressiveness as
well as quality (Grossard et al., 2018).
History of medical robots
The introduction of robots in the medical field began in the early 1980s through the science of
medicine, and it was utilized for medical operations. At this time, the application of robots in the
field of telemedicine also began by the national aeronautics and space administration.
Telemedicine is termed as the application of robots in the treatment and observation of patients
without actually being physically present by the patient (Wong et al., 2015). With the
improvements and advancements in telemedicine, its application found a way in the battlefields.
By the close of the twentieth century, the use of robotic was progressed in the surgery operations
as well as other areas. Currently, robotic is applied in numerous areas of operation within the
health sector, with the advancement still in progress (Lanyi et al., 2012).
Features of medical robots
The management of the medical robots are by the physicians via computerized consoles. These
consoles might be near the patient or located offsite. The consoles refer to multiple or single

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arms which are being controlled by the physicians. The nature of the surgery being undertaken
determines the shape of the arm. The medical requirement is integrated within the robotics
before beginning to perform a surgery or a therapy, hence facilitating traversing of the human
body in an appropriate way (Brown et al., 2011).
Majorly, these medical robots are utilized to odder provision in terms of increased patient
comfort, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, as well as meticulous interventions. The physician is
able to access the patient images and thus. Accordingly, perform controls on the robot from the
computer.
Types of robots utilized in the medical field
Hospital robots
These types of robots have the ability to perform a wide range of applications ranging from lab
specimens, distributing medications as well as handling of other sensitive materials such as
patient data. There are robots such as TUG which have the ability to carry out all these functions,
thus significantly reducing the cost of patient care. The diagram below shows an illustration of
the hospital robot (Boucenna et al., 2014).

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Surgical robots
The Medtech surgical robots market has experienced rapid advancement, more so with the
entrance of bigger manufactures such as Medtronic are and Jonson & Jonson. The surgical robots
are applied while performing surgery on patients and are the most commonly used robotics
(Weitlauf et al., 2014). They are composed of mechanical arms with a camera, as well as
surgical equipment which is attached to them, and manned by a surgeon. They are associated
with wit longer periods of recovery in cases which involves more risks. The diagram below is an
illustration of a surgical robot

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Care robots
While several robots are designed for use in the medical centers, the care robots can attend to the
patients while at home, mostly the elderly as well as patients with disabilities (Weitlauf et al.,
2017). They assist the patients to get in and out of bed, and an example is the robear.
Additionally, they can assist in recording the temperature of the patient, and ensuring regular
taking of the prescriptions. Below is an illustration. Further, the patients with special cases such
as autism can be assisted with the care robots.
Exoskeletons
This is the fastest-growing robotic sectors which offer basically hybrid limb assistance. They
assist in the detection of electrical signals from the body of the patient. Additionally, they offer

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physical rehabilitation for the patients. Below is an illustration of the same (Schalock et al.,
2017)
Use of robotics and autism
Autism, as defined by Myles, is a neurodevelopmental disorder which displays within the social
interaction, mostly in verbal communication with stereotypical behaviors. Its exact causes are not
known by the researchers. Leo first identified it within a group of children, in 1943 who
displayed strong social distancing from relations with others. The complex cases are usually
developed within the first three years of a person, and the effects can interfere with the brain, as
well as the functioning of the neurological origin. The persons having autism majorly experience
challenges with social interaction and behaviour, as well as communication. The major effects
include:
 Impaired social interaction; this is the inability to socially relate with others in a
meaningful way. It is characterized by difficulty in comprehending other people’s
feelings and intentions as well as forming social relationships.
 Impairment in social communication; this is a challenge associated with non-verbal and
verbal communication. It is characterized by the difficulty in comprehending gestures,

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facial expressions, and metaphors as well as non-literal interpretation of the verbal/non-
verbal language
 Impairment in fantasy and imagination: this refers to a limitation in the ability to perform
and play imaginative activities (Koyama et al., 2017).
In regards to the explained condition above, the personal assistant robots will significantly assist
in increasing the level of interaction of the individuals suffering from autism and make them
adapt more easily with social life. The technology has been used in the past, and the obtained
results show positive results. Further research shows that the use of socially interactive robots in
children having autism paid more attention to a robot as compared to a human therapist, as well
as taking the guided instructions perfectly well. The technology, assist children in overcoming
the fears associated with communication either verbally or non-verbally. Further research also
shows that the use of robots is more positive in children having autism more so when utilized at
an early age (APA, 2013).

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A critical review of the past pieces of literature
Riek posits that the robotic engineering has a great potential when it comes to the health
sector. Its implementation will significantly impact the sector, as it will not only improve the
overall health and wellbeing of the people, but also assist in meeting the gaps within the health
care. However, for this to come to a realisation, it is essential for both the researchers in robotic
and Medicare to come together and determine the most efficient methodology. In the research,
the author identifies some of the key players in the health care setting; the possible challenges as
well as the underlying opportunities within the healthcare SYSTEM. One significant reason as to
why there exists numerous opportunities is the insufficiency of labour within the sector. There is
a serious shortage of the labour, and also replacement of the vacancies is always a major
challenge. This implies that the robots will offer a great role in acting as a choice to the present
gaps. The author also posits that currently, a number of robots have been designed which are
being implemented in the health care industry, including; skilled robots, autonomous vehicles in
procumbent section, and the package delivery drones.
Azeta, gives a clear view of the application of robots in the healthcare for purpose of surgery.
He notes that the utilisation of robots in performing the surgery work has boosted the
opportunities for robotic sin the industry. He further goes ahead to specify the various areas
which currently have seen a wide application of the robots, including; surgical system,
laparoscopy surgery, tele-rounding robots, assisted e rehabilitation, and patient assisted robots.
With the advancement in technology, the list is expected to grow exponentially. There are robots,
which have the capability of delivering human task efficiently, commonly known as humanoid
robots. They have the ability to assist the patients as well as caregivers in discharging various
services. One fascinating factor is that these robots are controlled from a remote place as w thy

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are associated with various characteristics. Also, there are semi-autonomous robots which can
navigate in areas which are deemed dangerous to human and discharge various duties. In this
way, they help in reducing the time which otherwise would have been spent by human
navigating through the contaminated/ dangerous areas. In summary, the author notes that the
healthcare has been greatly influenced by the humanoid. He goes ahead to describe various
applications of robots.
Patel and the colleagues on the same robotic in Medicare research, notes the various
challenges which are associated with the technology, citing lack of clear distinction between
them and other machines. The robots can be defined as the machines that are capable of
executing various of the important task in an autonomous way with having a more degree of
freedom while compared with humans. Additionally, the authors note some specific components
which have contributed to the development of the medical robots. These parts include;
distributed and shared sensors, communication and information technology, and heterogeneous
systems. The internet of things is influential in aiding the connection of these robots remotely.
The authors, acknowledging the various advantages of the robots in the medical industry, have
proposed various possible solutions to the challenges which are experienced.
Kim et all takes u back to the introduction of the industrial robots in 1960, and it has had a
great impact on the human worker in terms of the durability, safety, repeatability as well as the
accuracy. Also, the implementation of the robots in the healthcare industry requires procedures
that are robust, objective, repetitive and safe for other people as well. With the rapid
technological advancements, the robot can be adopted in most of the medical activities including
the physical and surgical therapy. The author s then goes ahead to provide detailed discussion

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of the various applications and progress made in the robotics industry, in relation to the
healthcare.
Archibald and Bernard also, credit the application of robots in the Medicare industry due to
the ability to integrate robots in the medical sector. The authors majorly concentrates on the
evolution, trends and the possibilities of the robots in the coming years, in relation to the
medical industry. The authors reveal that with the advancements, an integration of the robot’s in
the nursing sector is eminent and that it will signify an effective and fundamental health care.
Through the improvement of the nursing profession, the area will enhance the daily lives of the
people, as they will majorly rely on the robots instead of having to go to the hospitals physically.
However, the authors note that there are fundamental guidelines which need to be followed for
the efficient integration of the robots in the nursing sector.
Narayanan (2019) dedicates the success of the healthcare robotics to the artificial intelligence
technology. He notes that the two are regarded as functions which are complimentary in ensuing
that the Medicare operations have the minimal invasive features. The authors, further notes the
application of the robotics in healthcare is a costly operation but at the same time is associated
with reduced time and suffering experienced by most of the patients. However, one significant
challenge which the author notes is cyber-attack. Cyber-attack is one of the issues which needs to
be addressed to advance the use of robots in healthcare, as it can greatly impact a number of
health sectors negatively. Though there is a potential drawback, this can be solved by proper
implementation of the laws and legislations for the protection of robotics in healthcare.
One of the fundamental concerns of robots, both physically and in terms of the information is
the privacy aspects (Lutz and Tamo, 2016). The authors conduct a thorough review into the
privacy of the healthcare robots. This is then followed by a proposal of steps which should be

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taken to address the same. To determine the implication of the privacy information vis-à-vis the
medical robots, the authors adopted the actor network theory. The authors use certain crucial
aspects of the theory or ANT for mapping the privacy ecosystem with the technology of robotic
healthcare. The authors then conclude that ANT plays a significant duty as a medium for
enabling the interaction of humans and robots. This provides a clear guideline on how the robots
operations in Medicare can be further assessed.
A discussion provided by Wongpiromsarn and colleagues reveals the numerous advantages
which comes along the healthcare robots. Some of the benefits which are noted includes; high
potential of improving the therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities, lowering the overall error rates
in the medical sector and is capable of improving the overall cost-effectiveness and the quality of
healthcare delivery system. The prediction is that by 2025, the number of the robots will be
higher, and the Medicare will be characterised with a good portion of the overall number. The
authors conduct their study, by taking Thailand as a case study. Already, Thailand has
implemented a program which will improve its position in the economic and social perspectives,
through deployment of advanced medical robots. This as well helps in improving the healthcare
in general.
Finally, Pennisi et al gives a discussion on the social robots and their relationship with the
treatment of autism conditions. The author conducts a systemic literature study to determine
whether the social robots have a significant impact in terms of managing autism disorder. The
authors have then established a number of findings such as ASD subjects performance is
improved with the use of the social robots instead of human partner. The autism patients tends to
be more accustomed to the social robots, which they portray reduced stereotype. The language of
the autism patients is also enhanced while undertaking the robotic lessons. In this way, the

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authors have concluded that special robots are the most suitable way of addressing the autism
therapy ;lessons.
Methodology and approach
The methodology applied in this design is with regards to the integration of game designs and
robot which are effective for autistic individuals. A detailed literature search was conducted in
CINAHL, PubMed, Web of science, and science direct in order to determine the controlled
clinical trials on the topic of autism. The major interest was on the types of robots as well as
features which are applied in the medical care for the patients with autism. A search period of the
information was set for the last five years, which is between 2010 to 2020, in relation to
healthcare. Various literary data were sampled, and the duplicate ones eliminated, leaving us
with ninety-six references, which were open and free for download.
A scrutiny of the respective abstracts of the ninety-six references was then conducted and those
relevant, strictly concentrating on the robotic designs and applications for autistic individuals
were singled out. The remaining research was concentrated on conducting article reviews which
are also presented in the research. Majorly, the articles which were excluded were based on the
following grounds; did not exercise a controlled study design for the control of the arm, and also
had limited information relating to the robotic designs in Medicare.
After identification of the literature, it was grouped into two categories with regards to the
therapeutic target, as well as the type of it intervention platform. The aim was to organize the
information, as well as integrate it to address the major research question. The IT platform was
mostly concentrated on robot-delivered interventions.

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Approach
The various design specifications that are considered in this research paper include face and hand
detection, robot hardware, face and hand tracking, data collection as well as interactive game
design.
Robot hardware
Multiple research has revealed that robots with the simple interface are more perceived better
when compared with those having a human-like an interface, and are more acceptable with the
individuals having autism. This simply implies that the low tech robots when designed
appropriately have the ability to serve and meet the requirements of the autistic persons as well
as promote their social skills. Besides, the low-cost design of this robot, the intention is to make
a more friendly design with an appealing outward appearance more so to the autistic children
(Lorah et al., 2015).
The various hardware components include pan-tilt platforms, servers, channel servo controller,
d-cell battery packs, as well as a consumer-grade web camera. The outward surface of the robot
is covered with a green appearance in order to eliminate the chances of creating fear. Whenever
the autistic person is undertaking any activity, the focus is on the robot's hands, which is
embedded with an led that transmits feedback to the main system.
Face and hand detection
For the purposes of the implementation of face detection and hand detection, a library real-time
computer vision application’s were adopted, also regarded as the open-source computer vision
library. This real-time computer vision enables object detection based on a set of harr like
features which is essentially an extension. This technique operates by screening tiny portions of
an image for the visual object characteristics. It utilizes adaptive boosting to train the classifier

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to be able to identify various types of objects for purposes of creating a cascade of boosted
classifiers (Di et al., 2018).
Face detection is a real-time problem, with vast literary information, and the various effective
classifiers are available in the opens. By extension, real-time detection is continuing research that
is underway, in relation to the diverse environments. To execute an appropriate hand detector
that meets the requirements; a new hand classifier was trained to be able to detect various
lighting conditions, finger positions, scales as well as rotations.
Face and hand tracking
The camshaft (continually adaptive mean shift) algorithm was utilized to implement the face and
hand tracking. This algorithm integrates the mean shift algorithm that works on nonparametric
technology for navigating through entity gradients to determine an objects probability
distribution. One major reason for incorporating this algorithm in this design project is due to its
fastness, as well as robust accuracy. It as well enhances the performance through elimination of
the need to rewind the hand and face detection each and every time. The robot does a repetition
of the full face detection process in order to eliminate the chances of an error occurring in the
algorithm. When the robot is not able to detect the face, the robot head is reset to a normal
position and then a search conducted in a wider extent (LeGoff, 2014).

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Therapeutic protocol
The therapeutic protocol for this developed robot design is based on the traditional aba treatment
of the ASD children which primarily includes three major steps: presentation of a stimulus,
behavioural response, as well as reinforcement. This project is a novel one as it enables a robotic
partner which manages these three major steps for an ultimate tailored treatment for autism
patients (Srinivasan et al., 2015). Also included, are four exercises; eye contact, body imitation,
joint attention, as well as facial imitation. The diagram below depicts the various exercises which
are involved. In order to advance from one level to the other, the patient has to perform the
current level correctly five times. In this protocol, the administration can be done to the low
medium, as well as high function ASD patients.
With regards to the patients functioning level, the therapist will be in a position to generate a
certain exercise configuration, which is specifically tailored for the individual. For instance, an
individual with difficulties with eye contact will have to begin from the very first exercise, and
then slowly graduate to other levels. For the medium SD patient, he might be in apposition to
handle eye contact but having difficulties in joint attention exercise. Consequently. A high ASD
patient can be in a position to handle both joint attention exercise as well as eye contact, but not
facial expression imitation. It, therefore, implies that the patient can just begin at the third level
without necessarily starting from the first exercise.
Eye contact
It is established that the eye contact exercise elicits eye contact behaviour which effectively
minimizes the autism level. It is crucial for communication both gestural and verbal, as well as
getting the attention of an interlocutor. It entails three complex increasing levels as well as
reinforcement steps detailed in the section below:

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First level: The robot calls the patient by name, thereafter says “look at me’. This is regarded as
the stimulus. It will perform this activity repeatedly until the focus of the individual is
concentrated onto the robot, which is termed as the behavioural response. After that is done, the
robot will say, “good”, thereafter repeat the person's name and finally, play music- also termed as
reinforcement (Taheri et al., 2018).
Second level: This level is the same as the first level, save for the stimulus. After calling the
person name, it omits the “look at me”, and then goes to the behavioral response.
Third level: This level is similar to the second level, save for the reinforcement, as it does not
play music at this stage.
Joint attention
From several studies, joint attention is mostly associated with the limitations in terms of the
language, as well as imitation abilities, hence the joint attention is stemmed from these two
factors. This exercise as well is composed of three levels, beginning with the placement of an
object into a therapy room to attract the attention of the ASD patient.
Level 1: the robot will call the patient by the name and upon the eye coming into contact, it will
say “look there”, indicating stimulus. The robot will then move its head as well as one arm
towards the object, and upon the child looking, at the movement, it will say “good”, indicating a
behavioural response while repeating the patients' name. Finally, it will play music, to indicate
reinforcement.
Level 2: This level is similar to the first level, save for the reinforcement, as it does not play
music at this stage.
Level 3: this level as well is the same as the second level, no reinforcement applied.

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Body imitation
Body imitation is among the significant ASD characteristics, which is associated with a broken
part of the brain responsible for imitation-mirror neuron system. The implication is the lack of
social communication and includes three levels as well.
Level 1: the robot will call the patient by the name and upon the eye coming into contact, it will
say, “Raise your arm”, indicating stimulus. The robot will then raise its arm as well, and upon
the child looking, at the movement, it will say “good”, indicating a behavioural response while
repeating the patient’s name. Finally, it will repeat the name of the patient and then play music,
to indicate reinforcement (Pour et al., 2018).
Level 2: the robot will call the patient by the name and upon the eye coming into contact, it will
say, “you do it”, indicating stimulus. The robot will then raise its arm, and upon the child
looking, at the movement, it will say “good”, indicating a behavioural response while repeating
the patient’s name. Finally, it will repeat the name of the patient, with no reinforcement.
Level 3: this level is similar to level two, as it lacks reinforcement capabilities (Van et al., 2018).
Facial expression imitation
Emotion recognition skill is more related to the social competence development in childhood.
When an individual lacks the ability to recognize things emotionally, then it is a clear indication
of autism. as a fact, the individuals will react less significantly to sadness, disgust, happiness and
fear. It also entails three levels, described below
Level 1: the robot will call the patient by the name and upon the eye coming into contact, it will
produce a facial expression, “sadness, anger or happiness” and then the robot will then say, “I am
sad, angry or happy”, “do it”, indicating a stimulus. Upon the child imitating back, it will say

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“good”, indicating a behavioral response while repeating the patient’s name. Finally, it will
repeat the name of the patient and then play music, to indicate reinforcement.
Level 2: This level is similar to the first level, save for the reinforcement, as it does not play
music at this stage (David et al., 2018).
Level 3: this level as well is the same as the second level, but with a changed reinforcement, as
the robot will say, “how do you feel”
Therapeutic protocol
Fundamental requirements.
In this study project, the fundamental requirements are critical aspects. The fundamental
requirements help in determining the system components/functions. The functions are actually
the resultant activities performed from the relative inputs involved. Administrative personnel is
usually involved in simulating speech programs. This person basically controls the whole system
operations. He, the admin, is capable of implementing changes in program settings ranging from

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user names to the kinds of speech that should be utilized on this system. The flexibility of the
program is therefore controlled by the admin (Saadatzi et al., 2018).
Furthermore, the admin has the authority to make changes in the output settings. This activity
involves the admin specifying simulative kind of speeches that can be used and setting them to
the users. Voice modifications are also changed by the administrator.
The user involved is also important in simulating speech programs. The system users in the study
project are the mimic autistic individuals. These individuals are to detect faces required, control
the cameras, and recognize the faces together with providing inputs into systems in the form of
facial expressions (Desideri et al., 2018).
Another thing fundamentally required the ability of the system to provide inputs with high
accuracy from the inputs taken from the user. The flexibility of the system is also required in
embedding the features of the robots.
Test plan indicators
In order to operate the system, the mimic autistic individual is required to be registered into the
system. Upon completing registration, the person is required to log in to the system with their
details. The correct details are required for one to log in to the system. In case any other user
wants to access the system, they sign up and verifications of the account done by the admin.
Access to the site is only made available to mimic autistic patients. Other individuals can only be
allowed to do so when the system needs to be tested. The system access to tester personnel is
only authorized by the admin (Ang and Zaphiris, 2018). The other mimic autistic patients can
access the system once they login to it. Therefore, inputs are provided into the system by these
mimic autistic individuals through their voices and behaviours. The inputs are then identified by
the simulation program which then provides the required output that is understandable from what

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they were exactly trying to communicate. The simulation program thus helps the users to
determine the verbal and non-verbal communicability of the patients. The users also gain
knowledge important for job interviews through this system.
Furthermore, the successful utilization of the system helps the users obtain feedbacks. The
feedback obtained in that case by the users can then be sent to the system developers.
Additionally, the statistics of the mimic individuals can be monitored by the administration. In
case one has finished their work, an option for logging out should be provided to the users and
admin (Connolly et al., 2012).
Documentations of the system design
The Relationship Entity Diagram
Figure: The system’s relationship entity diagram

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UML
Figure: The system’s classes UML diagram.

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The Architecture of the system
Figure: Illustration of the Architecture system

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Design of the UI
Figure: The system’s UI design
The Report implementation
In order to achieve the ideal system, developments at different stages are being carried out
currently. Among the current functionality aspects being monitored in the system are
determining the types of speech most autistic patients’ use. In order to achieve a relatively
stronger system, the back ends and front ends of the functionality system should be of the right
kind. All the users will, therefore, be able to completely access the functionality aspects present
in the system. All these can be achieved by developing a UI interface in the system’s front end
which is credited with monitoring the users' input voices. A sample demonstration of the UI
system has been shown in the figure above. Within the UI system, there is a speak button which
is pressed and then the user's voice signals start getting sent. On the other hand, the system's

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 29
back-end is specifically meant for performing back-office activities. In this phase, the system’s
back end phase, the user’s voice is processed in the AI system and further integrations are done
when it is necessary to do so. Furthermore, it is in this back-end section of the system where the
system's database is integrated and used in all kinds of the important information that are
required. On the hand, in the system's front-end, a camera is installed to be used in monitoring all
the activities those users are getting involved in. By doing this, and monitoring their movements,
finding a better way of improving both of their non-verbal and verbal communication skills of
those users will be made easier through the system. In that case, developing and implementing an
adequate AI system that is to be used in processing the data acquired on the movements of those
patients will be made possible.

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 30
Discussion
Trends of technology used in robotics
As per the machine design, there are five major trends in the use of robots from 2020 onwards.
Below is a description of the various likely trends (Khowaja, K. and Salim, 2019)
 Increased use of autonomous mobile robots
The automobile robots come as the most recent innovation which has transformed the traditional
robot, giving it a lot more flexibility as well as diversified applications. Every other company is
trying its best to deploy autonomous robots in their various applications. He main reason behind
this is the advanced technology which has led to increased demands of automation of the
machines as well as industrial activities.
 Expanded application of machine vision
In the older times, the application of machine vision was limited to tasks such as identification
and inspection. In recent times, its roles have been expanded to cover all sorts of applications.
Majorly, embedded systems are being deployed which consumes less amount of energy and as
well light in weight. It is also applied in heavy machine operations to enable safe operations in
industries deemed to be of high risks.
 New applications for AI robotics enabled
Artificial intelligence is widely applied as of today, and the solutions involving its leveraging is
already taking shape. Instead of designing all aspects of environments as well as process, the
artificial intelligence will be able to assist the robots to adapt to various conditions, and thus
meeting the associated limitations. It has the ability to identify the various patterns and perform
iterations for suitable environmental conditions.
 Grasping advances

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 31
The major aspect of the system design is the end effectors. This is often enabled by the various
hardware and software system. There are advances towards increasing the grasping actions of
robots; and be in a position to handle all kinds of products including fruits and vegetables,
bakery items as well as consumer electronics. This narrows down to the applications in
agriculture, warehouses, mobile manipulation as well as food processing (Rice et al., 2015).
 Continued growth in collaborative robot applications
The deployment of collaborative robots is gaining a high momentum, and in the past have been
regarded as disruptive to the industry. These collaborative robots are more characterized with
easy to use, easy to deploy as well as a set-up.
Impacts of robotic technology
Robotic technology is a field, which is experiencing new innovations on a daily basis. This is
associated with the various befits that it brings into the industrial market. However, it is also
associated with some disadvantages, more so on employment opportunities. The section below
provides a detailed explanation of the impacts.
Impacts of robotics on job production/ efficiency
The job production line is vast, and one of the impacts of robots is that they allow for the
creation of new jobs. The robots have the ability to eliminate tasks that are more dangerous and
risky to humans and then replace them with less risky tasks, such as control through a centralized
system. Instead of viewing it as a job loss, new opportunities are created for the employees, as
they are able to learn new ways of handling stuff.
Also, robots promote efficiency in the production and manufacturing process. The primary
components of any workplace are the performance and productivity. One advantage of the robots

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 32
is that they can be designed to fit any function and can run for multiple hours. Further, they have
the ability to perform different tasks at the same time, hence; they increase efficiency.
Moreover, the robots promote a greener environment, with the growing interest of green
manufacturing. It allows for a friendly production process which reduces the energy that is
utilized on air conditioners, as well as light when human labour is applied (Boyd et al., 2015).
Impacts of robotics on job loss
Most of the mid-level task which does not require professional skills are quickly disappearing.
Taking an instance in health care, most of the clerical works are being eliminated and pushed in
low paying regions such as the nursing homes. A number of these jobs can now be performed by
the robots, thus which makes it possible for the most individual to get employed. Additionally,
tasks which could be performed by a group of labourers can now be performed by just one
simple robot, reducing the costs of the incurred as well as eliminating the employment
opportunities on the side of human (Prins et al., 2013).
There is also, the loss of employment opportunities which potentially creates a number of social
issues. For instance, the autonomous vehicles are likely to leave many drivers with no jobs and
thus might result into social crimes and related acts.
Regulatory and Ethical concerns within the system.
Care
Care is always required when making use of technologically modified robotics applications.
Questions have therefore been raised with an aim of finding answers on what amount of actual
care that should be taken by the health care organizations currently and in the future when
handling the robotics technology machines. The term 'caring' actually means what amount
measure should be taken into consideration to ensure the safety of individuals, how to deal with

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 33
arising issues, and determining what should be done to ensure that everyone’s concern is taken
care of in relation to what they actually needed. Machines such as robots have to the ability to
ensure proper care and effectiveness is maintained, through conceptually rationalizing the data
and figures obtained from the individuals. When making use of robots, maximum care is always
a priority. Maximum care when handling robots actually means more than just care as it involves
considering various aspects like empathy, reciprocity and the feeling of warmth of the
importance of the robotics technology (Thomeer et al., 2015). Dating back to 2016, two
researchers named Sparrow Linda and Roberts gave their thoughts on the impacts of using robots
in taking care of the prominent individuals in society. From what they said, it was that making
use of robots in caring was something unethical. Their message was that it is unnecessary to use
robots when caring for the aged as these individuals cannot acquire the love, company and care
they require at their age from those machines. Their view is that making use of robots in taking
care of that age group is significantly disrespectful and unnecessary. However, other people did
not seem to agree with those views completely, since they view care robots as an opportunity
especially when qualified individuals are made use of in operating them
Fine Adjustments
Companies accredited with making robotics machines must take the needs and views of both
healthcare givers and the recipients into consideration when designing their machines. Taking
into consideration the needs and wishes of the recipients and health caregivers by the technicians
when designing those machine ensure that machines manufactured are sensitive and of great
value. The recipients and healthcare givers should, therefore, be engaged in the early phases of
the process of designing (DeThorne et al., 2015). This phase further demands making use of
telecommunication technologies, and home automation. This will help in making fine

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 34
adjustments and achieving coordination between nursing agencies, healthcare companies,
insurers, health institutions together with the members of the family. This statement is made by
researchers named Reed and Van Oost who insist that all related companies and agencies must
be involved when developing robotics machines and not only specific individuals.
Privacy
When designing home automation, ethics must be considered in a short period of time.
Maintaining the privacy of the users when registering and monitoring their behavioural changes
is always a priority. What is actually the kind of information received from the recipients being
monitored? The data obtained from the individuals on their daily activities mean what exactly?
What are the individuals allowed to get that information collected from those individuals? What
exactly is the duration of string those data? Individuals understudy, do they know exactly
whether they be used for an experiment and data is getting collected from what they do? Whether
there are justifications in making use of this kind of technology and the methods of data
collection from those individuals who are having deformities such as dementia and therefore
have no idea whether this kind of technology really exists? Privacy is all about asking such
questions which the manufacturers and stakeholders involved should seek to address when
developing robotics and automating those machines (Nadeau et al., 2011). From a point of view
of various researchers, state that taking good care of recipient’s privacy on the data collected
about them is always critical. Having information about those individuals privately is always
important in maintaining autonomy in them. This is done by involving developers right from the
beginning of the designing process who then determines the impacts of privacy when designing
their products. The problem, however, is how to properly carry out and maintain privacy in those
recipients.

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 35
Human modesty
Ethicists have always criticized the importance of having good relations in robotics and other
related fields. Those who take care of the users have no links between them to other caretakers
meaning they can only be in contact with the devices or remotely be in contact with the help of
the technology. Using robots in large scale has, therefore, lead to social issues raised on their
impacts towards the care for the users. Utilizing robots in caring for the recipients may lead to
risks of inhumane actions against those individuals (Hawkridge and Vincent, 2014). A researcher
named Sharkey also warns that when robots are used, caring for individuals is only made
objective. Using robots to perform work such as transport and feeding, may only make them
considers the users as objects. This may lead to such individuals considering themselves less
important compared to when they receive care from fellow humans. The kind of actions
performed by the robots towards the recipients can only lead to paternalism. When patients are
ethically objected it means therefore that receiving mutual care from robots is not possible.
Having a humane mutual contact with the recipients is often considered to go in hand with
proper care towards those recipients. Therefore, from Sparrow's point of view, it is next to
impossible for robots to provide social wants and emotional support to efficiently care for the
recipients (Pennisi et al., 2016).
Application of robotics technology to enhance companionship to the aged individuals has
controversially raised images of those individuals being contact with those humanoid/animal
robots. Ethical questions have been raised on the impacts of these robotic animals towards
providing mutual contact to the recipients, for instance, those individuals having dementia.
According to Sparrow, using care robots towards the elderly can be termed as ‘simulacra’ as they
displace mutual contact in the same ways as children’s nanny robots. Furthermore, he raises

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 36
concern on whether robots can be able to entertain the recipients over longer durations, with the
expectations that robots become useless when they are worn out and are end up idling when left
out for some time. However, Pearson and Borenstein are hopeful that making use of robots is
advantageous. They go further to state that when robots or instance seal Paro robot is used, they
are capable of relieving emotions of being lonely and isolations.
Questions have always been raised on, what amount of care a user receives compared to the one
when in contact with a fellow human? Alternatively, what the duration contact that resembles
that of human contact a user may receive on a daily basis? Determining the right choice of user
protection is thus important. Depending on the amount of mutual care received, user’s choices
may vary ranging from either preference of using robots to human caregivers. Users can,
therefore, make use of robots when they want to be independent especially in assisting one to
take shower or when they want to move within the house.to avoid objective kind of care from
robots, it is important that the users must take proper control of the robots. Therefore they should
be designed in a way that they do not forget the care needs they should provide to the recipients.
Sharkey is actually right when he states that robots on robots have hand in increased autonomy
and raised standards of living among the aged in additions to providing protection towards the
mental health of the recipients.
Competences of caregivers.
The professionalism of caretakers have been put to the real test due the fame robotics technology
is taking towards protecting the users. The responsibilities and roles of most caretakers are taking
a new direction to another level due to the advancements of robotics technology. New skills are
thus required from caretakers to operate the robotics equipment. These skills include operations
to determine faultiness in robots. Provision of maximum protection requires the care providers to

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 37
examine and monitor patients using televisions or computers at a distance and provide the right
care. Development of other additional skills is also required from the recipients. These skills
range from the recipient being able to cooperate towards telecommunication conferencing to
responding to information received from the caregiver. This consequently requires the caregivers
to be able to give instructions and familiarizing the recipient with how to use the technology.
Robotics technology, therefore, demands a lot from the caregivers on how to cope with the
challenges and developments within this field (Huskens et al., 2015). Development of robots for
protection to autistic individuals should also be guided practical procedures and policies.

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 38
Conclusion
Industrial robots play a great role in the society, in terms of discharging duties which
requires a great deal of flexibility and robustness. This project research has narrowed down to the
robots utilised in the medical care sector, and from the findings; the healthcare is positively
influenced by the us of these robots. One outstanding fact is that it enhances the efficiency of the
operations as it is associated with minimum errors. Further, a robotic algorithm has been
developed which is tested to assist an autistic patient. It has been realised that for the physical
therapy lessons for patients with autism condition, the patients are more accustomed to the robots
as opposed to humans. It is anticipated that the designed software system will be aid the autism
patients to effectively mimic words as well as improve their verbal and non-verbal
communication skills.

Robot Design For Use In Healthcare 39
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APPENDIX
Chatbot (Speech Bot Simulator) Development
Proposed Architectural Design

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Operation of the chatbot

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Decision tree symptoms
Aquabot’s behavior when keyword has not been located in the answer

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