A ‘robot’ friend for the elderly

Onur Okutur (24), a graduate of Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Department of Industrial Design, has designed a robot named ‘Maya’ that will protect the seniors' health and prevent them from feeling lonely. Maya, which is 30 centimeters tall, will measure a person's heart rate, blood pressure, blood pressure or body temperature with the help of a wrist-worn smartwatch, and instantly identify changes. The relatives or the doctor of the elderly will be able to see this data, collected by Maya every second, on their mobile phone at any time. When Maya notices a sudden change in the person's health data, it will immediately notify the mobile phones registered to it. Maya will also regularly remind the elderly about daily tasks such as opening and closing the curtains, adjusting the temperature of the house, reminding wake-up and bedtime. Maya will be able to call another person with verbal command even if mobile phone is not at hand, so that the elderly will not have to carry their mobile phone with them at all times.

THE MODEL IS ALSO PREPARED

Onur Okutur, who graduated from IUE Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Industrial Design in 2022, prepared the robot project named Maya after 1 year of work. Okutur, who received support from his professors in this process and developed his project that he started as a school graduation project, also worked with a famous technology brand in Turkey with the aim of producing and launching Maya. Okutur, who also prepared a model of Maya, is preparing to take an initiative to obtain a patent for the robot.

EMERGENCY ALERT

Sharing detailed information about Maya, Okutur stated that the robot he designed will meet an important need. Okutur said, “Maya was designed as a smart home assistant robot for the elderly. It doesn't take up much space and runs on charge. Our aim is to facilitate the lives of seniors living alone and to provide them with a safe and peaceful environment. While Maya helps the elderly in matters related to their health, it also allows them to communicate comfortably with their relatives. Maya measures and records blood pressure thanks to its smart watch system. In addition, it reminds the elderly at what time they should take their medicines. For example, relatives of the seniors will register at least two mobile phone numbers with Maya. These people may be doctors or relatives of the elderly. These people will be able to instantly see the measurements made by Maya on their mobile phones. In other words, it will be able to easily follow the daily course of the elderly. In case of a sudden change in heart rate, blood pressure or body temperature, Maya's emergency alert will be activated. Maya will notify the mobile phones of the people registered in it. Maya will provide great convenience to those who are worried about not hearing from their older relative or wondering about their health.”

REMOTE - CONTROLLED

Okutur continued as follows: “Maya will be one of seniors' best friends. Maya can take on regular daily tasks such as opening and closing the curtains in the house, adjusting the temperature of the house, reminding wake-up and bedtime, by programming. Maya can also share useful daily information such as the weather. One of the most important features of Maya is that it can be monitored and controlled remotely via both the mobile application and the website. Maya is a home robot that can continue to improve by being updated. This also allows Maya to be adapted according to needs. There is no similar robot that fully undertakes Maya's duties. I am continuing my studies on Maya. We are also in talks with a large tech company. My goal is to further develop Maya and to see the day when this robot is used in homes with investment support.”