THERE’S a new helper at Whittlesea Library – and he’s not your average librarian, but he does have a lovely smile.
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A robot known as Mr Whittles is helping house-bound seniors living at home or in residential care in the area to connect with the outside world.
Mr Whittles is a robot on a miniature Segway-style base, with an iPad mounted on a telescopic pole that enables people to participate in virtual tours, consultations and events without leaving their home.
The robot can be used in two-way conversations using iPads and remotely commanded by users.
Footage from the library, the street and events can be streamed live and watched on a TV screen, laptop or tablet. Whittlesea Library learning co- ordinator Heidi Babatsikos said the library staff first saw the idea on a television segment about Feros Care’s use of a robot in Kingscliff, NSW.
“We have a large senior population in the Whittlesea area and thought it would be great to trial the idea down here,” she said.
Whittlesea Bowls Club donated $5200 to buy the robot from the US, and Whittlesea Community House donated an iPad Air.
In April, Mr Whittles became the first robot to be used by a public library in Australia to allow house-bound seniors to engage with their community.
“People are really excited about it,” Ms Babatsikos said. “Many older people haven’t seen robots before but they are really taken by it.
“Mr Whittles can take them down the main street or around the library in a virtual tour. Residents can control Mr Whittles from their own home and have conversations with people via the robot.
“We’ve had children reading to Mr Whittles, with older people watching and listening in from their homes. “It opens up a new world for seniors who are unable to get out of their homes, and helps keeps their mind stimulated.”