• rumba@lemmy.zip
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    18 hours ago

    Sure!

    Depends on what you’re looking for capability-wise.

    DME pill dispenser that notifies family if they’re not taking the glass off the platform is a couple of grand and available now. It’s like $100 worth of parts. Of course, you can have it for less upfront by paying a perpetual subscription fee.

    But helping them walk, Helping them get up, even if steps aren’t involved, that’s a way higher price tag, we’re looking at something Atlas or ASIMO class, you’re looking at 1-2 million for the hardware and basic functionality. Tacking on insurance because they will be sued when someone slips and a decade or so of r&d in hospice and homecare. I don’t think we’re likely to see anything affordable in 1-2 generations.

    Japan is leading the charge in looking at this because it’s being hit hard by population decline. This will be in their face shortly. They have bots that can drive around and talk to people and can report on people in distress. Those are more car-priced. They’re not going to help anyone walk, but they can provide companionship, which isn’t nothing.

    With lifespans advancing and birthrates dropping, you can be sure that they’ll be moving as fast as they can. Even if the hardware becomes affordable, they’ll charge as much as the market will bear. Look at the price for senior care. They own the building, and they’re understaffing the facilities as much as possible. Slumlording as a service.