Robots in Child Care: Yes or No?

For me, the thought of children being looked after a robot can bring a shiver down my spine. I mean, it is definitely not humane, and neither is it normal. But similar to how robots have benefitted the elderly care sector, there is an argument which says that robots in child care can benefit the sector. In this article, I'll take a look at both sides of the argument. Related Learning: Level 2 Certificate for the Children & Young People's Workforce (RQF)

Why Are Robots Being Introduced?

Right now, robots are currently being tested in nurseries in Japan to address the country's early years recruitment crisis, where we have seen demand for child care outstrip supply. Since April 2016, it has been reported that more than 26,000 children are waiting for child care places in Japan, according to Daynurseries.co.uk. And with Japan's child care industry's low wages and long hours, it has been hard for the Japanese early years sector to find qualified child care staff. Hence why this trial came about. The robotic child care trial, which is conducted by Gunma University, is currently being tested in two different nurseries since the second half of last year. The trial is using a robot called Vevo. Vevo features facial recognition technology that is able to identify each child. Furthermore, the robot has built-in sensors which can monitor children's sleeping patterns and can alert staff of when a child is feeling unwell by monitoring the child's body temperature using a thermograph. According to a spokesperson for one of the child care providers involved in the trial, he believes that Vevo will “contribute to resolving the shortage of nursery teachers” and improve the quality of education. Robotic innovation has also been introduced in the UK. KASPAR the robot, which was developed by the University of Hertfordshire back in 2015 has been teaching autistic toddlers about human emotions and feelings. Related Learning: Level 3 Diploma for the Children & Young People's Workforce (RQF)

What Are The Concerns?

There is an ethical debate surrounding robots entering the realm of child care. Noel Sharkey, speaking to the Guardian, who is a professor in robotics and artificial intelligence at Sheffield University, believes there are significant dangers in having robots minding children. Sharkey highlights that over-reliance on robots could lead to “a number of severe attachment disorders that could reap havoc in our society.” That is quite true, so to speak. If you think about how smartphones and iPads have been given to children without a second thought, that is a major concern in itself. There are a lot of studies which link excessive smartphone/tablet usage with mental health issues. And if we were to give children prolonged exposure to robots, then it might hinder a child's social development and emotional intelligence - two very key traits that can determine the quality of life a child has in the future. Related Learning: Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) (QCF)

How Can Robots Play a Crucial Role in The Child Care Sector?

Despite the concerns, I can see how robots in child care can really benefit the sector. Specialist nurseries that care for children who have special needs or disabilities will welcome robots that can assist them in monitoring children's sleep patterns, heart rate and body temperature. Also, working with children who have a disability can be emotionally draining. With the help of robots, it will help to relieve some of the pressure. In a report by David Feil-Seifer and Maja Mataric entitled “Dry Your Eyes: Examining the Roles of Robots for Childcare Applications”, they've argued for robots to enter the child care sector. Feil-Seifer and Mataric have said that rather than seeing robots as a way of replacing humans, it should really be used to enhance child care so that it can provide a better service. Related Learning: Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (QCF)

What Does the Future Hold for the Child Care Sector?

Besides Japan, China has tested a robot called iPal which has been getting a lot of positive response. The creators claim that it can look after a child between the age of three and eight for many hours. For many parents, they would be hesitant to leave their child with a robot for that amount of time, especially without adult supervision. While Sharkey's comments do ring true with many child care professionals, we shouldn't be totally against robots in child care. There is evidence to show that robots can enhance the child care sector by providing much needed support, especially in a specialist child care setting. However, the question remains, who will pay for it? The cost to acquire a single Vevo machine is approximately £28,000. It is not cheap that's for sure. Thanks for reading! What are your thoughts on robots in child care? Are you for or against it? Or can you see both sides of the argument? Please let us know in the comments section below.