Geriatronics is the field of robotics and machine intelligence in geriatrics, gerontology, and medical care for the elderly to provide optimum support as well as to maintain and improve self-determination in old age. Geriatronics personalized robots and assistive technologies enable elderly citizens to live an independent and self-determined life for as long as possible.
Geriatronics is an answer to meet the challenges arising from demographic change and labor shortage in the care sector.
Due to increasing life expectancy, the number of elderly people is growing as shown in studies of the German Federal Statistical Department. Between 1999 and 2015 the number of people in need of nursing care throughout Germany increased by more than 50,8% from approx. 2 million to 3 million and is expected to rise even further.
At the same time, the labor force potential declines significantly. According to an estimate by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), the demand for nursing staff (skilled and unskilled) could double – at the extreme – to more than 1.5 million full-time employees by 2050.
