technical acceptance

For Sabina Misoch, Head of the Interdisciplinary Competence Centre for Ageing at the FHS St.Gallen, one of the highlights of her research trip to Japan was a visit to a nursing home offering robotic therapies.

How do people with dementia respond to robots? Sabina Misoch, Head of the Interdisciplinary Competence Centre for Ageing, discussed this question with the professor Toshimitsu Hamada and his team of researchers from Tsukuba University, one of Japan’s best universities. Professor Hamada is considered a pioneer in the field of research into robot-assisted therapy in nursing homes.

«PARO» is a robotic seal that is used around the world to help treat people with dementia. It was invented by Takanori Shibata from Japan. Sabina Misoch, Head of the Interdisciplinary Competence Centre for Ageing at the FHS St.Gallen, met up with him on her research trip to Japan.

During her first week in Japan, Sabina Misoch visited Robo Universe Exhibition, which is part of the CEATEC Fair in Tokyo. Her goal: to find out about new robot systems and connect with potential industrial partners for the Living Lab project in Switzerland. The gerontologist had to overcome unexpectedly high language barriers and came across some rather strange (new) robots – such as a cat without a head.

Sabina Misoch, Head of the Interdisciplinary Competence Centre for Ageing at the FHS St.Gallen, is travelling to Japan at the end of September for a five-week research trip. The gerontologist and project manager of the national innovation network “Age(ing) in Society” will discuss (new) technological solutions with scientists and practitioners, as well as connecting with potential research partners. In an interview, she reveals which highlights are on the agenda, what she has the most respect for, and how she is preparing for Japanese culture.