Intelligent Aids
Introduction
the Greek τέλος (télos), end, purpose, and λόγος (lógos), discourse, thought) could be understood as an innate attitude that conceives the pursuit of purpose-oriented acts not only in the common voluntary activity of humans or other entities possessing rational capacities directed towards achieving a goal, but also in those involuntary and unconscious actions that nonetheless accomplish an end. Following the model of intentional human action, which subordinates means to the achievement of an end, finalism has extended this behavior by theorizing that it can be found throughout the universe. In particular, in biology, a concept inspired by finalism is expressed by the term "teleonomy," first used (1970) by Jacques Monod in his theory that saw within the structures of living beings a purposive action, caused by natural selection, aimed at favoring vital functions while eliminating those that hinder them. I remember this because his book "Chance and Necessity" certainly left a significant mark on my way of thinking.
In this regard, we can say that not only humans are "teleological" beings, but animals can be as well, and why not, even "artificial entities." The tools we use, which we can consider "aids," with which we perform certain operations that we would not be able to accomplish with our limbs alone, are certainly practical demonstrations that, to achieve a goal, we use our intellectual capacities, including those of "creativity," "abstraction," "imagination," "theorization," that is, all mental faculties capable of generating "inferences" in the conceptual composition of information. However, we are not the only ones to do so; in the animal world, something similar occurs, perhaps at an application level that involves more elementary mental attitudes. Primates certainly have these capacities inherently, but not only them; dolphins, elephants, nutria, and even crows and finches do as well. Some animals, therefore, can distinguish objects and categorize them by their utility; some animals, in their own way, can even perform elementary mathematical operations. This mental representation of magnitude is called numerosity and seems to be an ability shared by many animal species. A curiosity: monkeys have neurons in the prefrontal cortex that show a preference for zero over other numerosities; even bees seem to grasp the "concept of zero," an incredible thing considering we are talking about insects with fewer than a million neurons (compared to the 86 billion present in our brain), and yet crows understand the "concept of an empty set": what astonishes experts is the fact that different animal species (insects, mammals, birds), which evolved independently of each other hundreds of millions of years ago, are able to treat zero as a quantity, demonstrating that this ability would have evolved independently among various species. Personally, I would not disturb the word "concept" used in this article from Focus:
https://www.focus.it/ambiente/animali/animali-sanno-contare-numeri.
I would rather speak of "attentional games," as referred to in his studies by Professor Silvio Ceccato many years ago in his books. In the animal communication system, I would not speak of "conceptual" potentialities, but of "physiognomic-phonetic" expressions, as codifiable as they may be, in a form of elementary language. For example, chimpanzees are capable of emitting vocalizations using a dozen 'base' sounds (such as grunts, barks, screams, and whimpers) combined in at least 390 different ways according to precise rules (source: ANSA). Obviously, there are many other animals that communicate with "complex systems," let's not forget cetaceans, dolphins, and even our kittens. I believe that animals are better at understanding languages that are not conforming to them than we humans are. They probably have a physiological limit in emitting sounds, but they certainly have greater instinctive potential in decoding signals. Our potential to interpret signals, like that of animals, is fundamentally due to "neural chains" specifically activatable for this purpose, as well as the ability to transfer information through language, which implies that there are mnemonic potentials, to which we, like elephants or other animals, must draw from what we call short-term and long-term memory.
In my opinion, therefore, the potential to construct, or at least to use tools, implies an extremely complex elaborative potential, whether it is done by a member of the human race or any other being. Among all the realizable tools, however, there are some that can be created for very specific purposes, those of being "personal aids," which, translated into other terms, means that those who created them possessed a cultural level such as to "invent" tools designed to compensate for structural deficiencies in their own organism or that of similar beings. In this, no animal I know possesses such capacities, and, to be honest, I believe the first examples of such aids were created by members of civilizations relatively close to us in temporal terms.
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prosthesis found in Egypt |
Despite the name, however, Telepathy does not read thoughts: it captures signals from the brain related to the intention to make a movement and translates them so that an external robot can perform that precise action in place of someone who is paralyzed or paraplegic.
Nanorobotics
Nanorobotics is that branch of technological studies focused on the creation of robots on a nanometric scale. To understand "robots on a nanometric scale," we refer to nanorobots—or "nanobots"—which are "devices" whose size ranges from 0.1 to 10 micrometers. It is worth recalling that a nanometer (nm) (10^-9 m) corresponds to one billionth of a meter, and a micrometer (µm) (10^-6 m) is one thousandth of a millimeter.
This technological field began to gain traction in the early 2000s when American researcher Carlos Montemagno and his team at the University of California, Los Angeles, developed the first "glucose-fueled" nanorobot, no thicker than a human hair. This nanobot, whose propulsion was achieved using a minute fragment of a mouse's heart muscle, was capable of moving at a speed of about 40 micrometers per second. Nanorobots are, in every respect, machines small enough to penetrate a living cell (animal or human) to release molecules, attack tumor masses, replace or repair organelles, or perform all those operations that normally require invasive microsurgical maneuvers.
After the initial experiments by Professor Montemagno's team, in 2005, the same Californian scientists designed a nanorobot with two tiny legs capable of moving and bending thanks to mechanical joints powered by rat heart muscle cells, without the need for external power. From that moment on, numerous studies have followed, and today, examples of nanobots are numerous. In the last decade, with the evolution of nanofabrication techniques, the goal of creating tiny biocompatible robots, the size of a cell and capable of being injected into the human body and operating within it, as a full-sized robot would in reality, is becoming an increasingly attainable goal.
On April 1, 2019, I published this article on my personal blog. www.cyberservices.it
It was a joke, of course, but it had its technological basis!
What I could refer to, in practical terms, however, is due to my collaboration with Prof. Marco Gottardo, who, back in 2013, published a text on the construction of a robotic limb for educational purposes. I consider this work a milestone in both hobbyist and professional robotics for the construction of limbs and prostheses.
This text lays the groundwork for the creation of a human-like limb, starting from the shoulder joint, to the elbow, wrist, and a complete hand with an opposable thumb. The programming of microcontrollers is explained in a clear, simple, and essential manner. The source codes for controlling the 14 servomotors and the .net interface sources are provided completely and have been tested. The hardware platform is the well-known Micro-GT mini available online by G-Tronic Robotics. Although it is not a very recent text, I believe it serves as a respectable educational foundation for those intending to begin studies in robotics applied to personal aids.
I would like to remind that in Italy alone, an estimated 3600 upper limb amputations occur annually, of which 80% involve the hand. Worldwide, about 3 million people have an upper limb amputation. One can only imagine the consequences such amputations can bring. Silicone prostheses are often used by patients with amputated limbs because they are economical, easy to wear, and can restore an acceptable aesthetic appearance. In "intelligent aids," or smart prostheses, communication between the patient and the prosthesis can occur through EMG signals or electroencephalograms (EEG). EMG signals, produced by the remaining muscles of the upper limb, are recorded by sensors placed inside the prosthesis at the prosthesis-skin interface and allow for the execution of a specific movement. In fact, every time a muscle in the body contracts, a small electrical signal is produced that the myoelectric sensors embedded in the prosthesis can detect. Unfortunately, these myoelectric signals are not easily detectable due to the limb injury of the patient. In this case, EEG signals are useful alternatives. EEG signals are recorded using surface electrodes in contact with the head or electrodes implanted through a more invasive surgical procedure. Some studies have even presented a hybrid strategy based on the recording of EEG and EMG signals capable of optimizing the recording and the consequent response at the level of prosthetic movement.
These "intelligent" artificial arms are the result of collaborations between experts in various fields: from medicine to mechanical engineering, from electronic engineering to biomedical engineering, from physiotherapy to materials engineering. Consider that the patient can even obtain sensory feedback, thanks to a closed circuit that allows deriving a signal for the patient from the external output.
In the evolution of applications related to personal aids, it should be noted that Parkinson's disease is one of the main causes of disability: it affects over 9.4 million people worldwide, and the number is expected to double by 2040. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects a specific type of neuron, called dopaminergic, which controls movements. For this reason, up to 80% of patients with Parkinson's disease experience movement and walking problems, including Freezing of Gait (FoG). Symptoms start slowly, and initially, a barely noticeable tremor may be observed in just one hand. Tremors are among the most common symptoms, but the disorder can also cause stiffness or slowing of movements. FoG, in particular, severely limits physical movement and quality of life, and existing treatments provide only temporary and short-term relief.
A ROBOT SUIT TO IMPROVE FoG
Until now, there were no specific robotic technologies for Freezing of Gait (FoG) in Parkinson's disease. This is likely due to the complexity of the freezing symptom, which involves biomechanical disruptions in walking mechanics. A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine, which so far has involved only one participant, has allowed the development and evaluation of the effectiveness of a robotic suit in improving the gait of a patient with Parkinson's. Essentially, the robotic clothing tested by the patient, designed to assist hip flexion, consisted of thigh bands, waist belts, and shoulder straps, with actuators and sensors mounted on the belt. The actuators generate the hip flexion movement, while a controller delivers the correct force for the movement.
The study lasted 6 months, during which the effects of the suit on gait were tested. The robotic clothing demonstrated a significant and immediate improvement in the patient's gait. This is a step not only for the individual patient but also in addressing a critical need in the overall management of Parkinson's disease.
(Source: www.fondazioneveronesi.it)
Personal Bot
Cognitive robotics for neurorehabilitation: One of the fields where "intelligent aids" are in demand is certainly the applications related to robotic neurorehabilitation to study the mechanisms of motor control in humans and develop useful technologies for dedicated programs. From here, robotics as a tool to perform cognitive exercises.
In Italy, for example, Federica Piras, head of neurolinguistic studies conducted at the Neuropsychiatry Laboratory of the Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS in Rome and of neuropsychological evaluation protocols for studying cognitive abilities in psychiatric diseases, along with the team from the Neuropsychiatry Laboratory of the Foundation, is exploring the possibilities offered by robots to keep cognitive functions constantly exercised, even at home, especially in the elderly.
The system allows for constant evaluation of a series of parameters, including mood and self-perceived well-being, providing a personalized stimulation program. Robotic neurorehabilitation (for example, to have patients perform repetitive exercises) is beginning to find application in supporting the elderly, who, facing a series of age-related challenges, rightly intend to maintain their autonomy as long as possible.
The fact that a humanoid robot provides guidance (the "advice" and suggestions for a healthy lifestyle or prompts for performing the daily activity plan) stems from the scientifically proven observation that the elderly feel less criticized or judged when evaluation tests are administered by a humanoid robot compared to an operator, while they show higher levels of engagement when stimulation activities are conducted via a robot, compared to using a tablet.
Children and Autism:
reatments, ranging from cognitive therapy to speech therapy and neuro-psychomotricity, are now also supported by the use of new technologies. This is the case with QT robot, a humanoid that helps children with autism learn new communication, emotional, and social skills. "QT was developed by a start-up in Luxembourg," explains Veronica Scordino, speech therapist and linguist at the CRC (Research and Care Center). The robot is capable of engaging the child during therapeutic activities, increasing both the level and duration of attention.
The child can interact directly with the robot, to the point of becoming a true companion along the rehabilitation journey. "There are children in treatment who have become so attached to QT that they hug it and whisper 'I love you.'"
The Personal-Bot Market
In an article in the journal Autism Research, experts have demonstrated for the first time in the world the effectiveness of a humanoid robot in such a context. Not in a laboratory, but integrated into a clinical rehabilitation path. This is, of course, the well-known iCub robot from IIT, a platform around which IIT has been conducting research for a long time in the various fields of interest of the institute.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that begin during childhood, characterized by communication deficits and social interaction difficulties. Based on epidemiological research conducted to date, autism affects between 1% and 2% of the global population. In Italy, between 600,000 and 1.2 million people are affected by autism. At least 4,000 individuals out of the 393,000 newborns in 2022 in our country will likely be diagnosed with such disorders during their developmental age.
iCub is an android robot built by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Genoa. Standing 104 cm tall and weighing 22 kg, its appearance and functionality resemble those of a child about three years old. However, its cost is between €200,000 and €300,000.
another Italian product is Abel, which at first glance looks like a normal 12-year-old child, but is actually a humanoid robot, an android to be precise. It was developed in the laboratories of the E. Piaggio research center at the University of Pisa, the result of a project that combined social
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Abel
is a world-class example of social robotics excellence |
It is
just one example of what has been happening in Pisa in recent years
in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence. Its expressions
are driven by 22 motors that precisely replicate human facial
movements. The software and sensors that animate it can estimate the
psychophysical state of its interlocutor in real-time. However, I
believe its price is still prohibitive for family use.
Humanoid Robot Grace designed to assist the elderly and people in isolation or hospitalized:
She has Asian features, long brown hair that reaches the collar of her uniform, and is equipped with a thermal camera installed on her chest to measure the patient's temperature and responsiveness. She uses artificial intelligence to assist patients, speaks three languages fluently (English, Mandarin, Cantonese), and claims to "provide therapy and support the work of healthcare professionals." In this case as well, the price is unknown.
But it is Sophia who is the record-breaking robot: the first and only robot-citizen, having obtained citizenship of a state, Saudi Arabia, in October 2017; the first robot-artist, having created a self-portrait in March 2021, which was sold at auction in April of the same year for $688,888. I believe it could also be suitable for tasks such as assisting children and the elderly, but even in this case, I think it costs much more than a caregiver.
Romeo Could Not Be Missing:
Romeo, a caregiver humanoid, aspires to gain an increasingly significant role in Elderly Care. But be careful: we are not talking about a robot that will replace human contact, but rather a tool that will complement human capabilities by offering assistance, for example, during those hours of the day when the caregiver is resting, the assistant needs to go out shopping, or family members are away for work.
He is 140 cm tall, an ideal height that allows him to approach an elderly person's bed without having to bend over, thus avoiding taking up more space or encountering other technical inconveniences. He can open doors, walk, climb stairs, grasp objects placed on a table, and transport them to the person being assisted.
At this moment, Romeo should still be in the final phase of experimentation before entering hospitals and care homes. Romeo will join a long series of robots aimed at entertaining and helping to care. Bruno Maisonnier, founder and CEO of Aldebaran.
Incidentally: work on the Romeo project began in early 2009 with a budget of 10 million euros, about half of which was funded by the government.
Conclusions
I believe that companion animals, or pets, as one might say, are important for certain categories of people, particularly the elderly and children with specific issues. However, I am also convinced that with a bit of goodwill and intelligent initiatives, it is possible to create "intelligent aids" with low economic impact that can provide benefits in terms of assistance.
Some argue that these robots currently do not fully meet the needs of elderly people: designers and developers do not know the real needs and expectations of these users, partly because research on the use of robots in the geriatric population is just beginning, and scientific studies on the elderly take a long time.
Not to mention that the use of new devices among elderly users can be hindered by various factors such as memory, learning, and orientation problems. To overcome these obstacles, it would be necessary to encourage research and promote prototypes that are functional to the user's needs.
In this regard, there is talk of "user-centered" research, focused on the user and guided by their needs and expectations. For elderly people, technologies with simple and intuitive interfaces are needed, with the possibility of customizing functionalities and offering real utility in daily life.
The work of research has just begun; it will be long and complex and will have to address not only functional aspects but also social, legal, and ethical issues. Assistive robotics could truly help in managing the aging population and the consequent impact on public health.
Assertive robotics could also help children in learning phases, for example with simple interactive interfaces. I don't believe large economic investments are needed; in this field, the contribution of the "Open Source" philosophy, of which I am a supporter, could also find its place. On this topic, I have written this text:
https://www.amazon.it/Open-Source-Intelligenza-Romeo-Ceccato/dp/B0CFZJKB86
The Open Source philosophy, both in terms of hardware artifacts and software products, is a counterintuitive social trend, a school of thought that has guided some of the greatest computing revolutions of recent decades and which, I hope, may in the future extend to many other areas of human endeavor. The founding principles of this movement are inspired by sharing, synergy, and subsidiarity, in contrast to competition and rivalry.
With this book, I hope to make my modest contribution to the dissemination of what I personally consider fundamental for a paradigm shift, not only in the development of new perspectives on IT innovations but also as a stimulus for further potential in collaborative development of next-generation technological artifacts, where good DevOps practices can facilitate this contextual area.
The book includes practical examples, some famous, others less so, that have been realized using Open Source licenses. I trust that reading this text may lead many, professionals or not, to consider Open Source as a formidable social opportunity, even in the workplace, as there are many tools available for those who want to embark on an interesting path, both professionally and as a hobby.
I am available to anyone interested in developing a platform oriented towards this type of use. I have already conducted studies in this regard with the Q.bo STEM platform, which can provide some insight into the world of robotics.
https://youtu.be/f8qpaerkzcs?si=SoonInElK1OcJXDK
At this point, I would like to find someone who, sensitive to these themes, could invest in the creation of useful artifacts, both for children and for the elderly or for people who need to use "intelligent personal aids."
One idea could be to create a similar robot to this:
For more information on the Cheshire Cat AI framework, visit:
https://cheshire-cat-ai.github.io/docs/
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Romeo Ceccato
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