Technical Project leif: a
robotic wellness assistant Joanna Vargas
Robo-Wellness Assistant is a
project aimed at increasing the accessibility of mental health resources to all
backgrounds. leif’s robot personality offers a
solution to the accessibility of mental health tools by enhancing engagement
through physical interaction with digital tools. leif
provides reminders and personalized goal-setting capabilities, promoting
effective daily routines to reduce stress. This robot can also offer first aid
for mood and anxiety disorders, guiding users through mood-lifting exercises
and providing encouragement.
Background
About one in five adults in the
US have a diagnosed mental illness, totaling around 57.8 million in 2021.
Nearly half of them received health services. While mental health support is
growing, access to mental health facilities remains limited. Mental health apps
offer treatment options, especially for depression and anxiety, focusing on
skills like mindfulness and mood monitoring. However, these apps face
challenges such as poor regulation and low user engagement. Improving
engagement, real-time interaction, reminders, and gamification are suggested.
Integrating robotic companions with these apps can enhance engagement. Such
apps should include features like activity and medication reminders to support
emotional wellness. For those with mood disorders, daily self-care can be
challenging, making reminders crucial for maintaining mental health. While
phone apps can offer similar support, having a physical reminder device can be
more effective in prompting users to act.
Functions
Autonomous Greetings
Reminders and Greetings
Early Designs
Major Component Assembly Drawing
Electrical Diagram
Overall Goals and Approaches
- Accessibility
o
Outputs include visual, sound, and vibration for those with
disabilities.
o
Robot is made with low-cost materials.
-
Engagement
o Robot interacts with user.
o Robot can be personalized to user.
-
Sustainability
o Robots is
made of recycled materials.