More self-help and independence

The coming “boom” in the older generation is leading to a need for a larger work-force in the health services, and the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) and the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) wish to evaluate so-called “welfare technology’” (robot and sensor technology) in this area in order to balance the labour requirements of different sectors. KS is therefore about to launch an R & D project in collaboration with health and ICT researchers at SINTEF.

The objective of the project is to map the need and potential for robot and sensor technology in the health and care sector. Technology of this sort will also develop and guarantee high-quality services in this sector, and offer the possibility of long-term industrial development. Such technology could also indirectly help to improve the quality of life of its users by helping them to help themselves and to become more independent. The project is led by Kristine Holbø of SINTEF Health Research.