Automating the Home

Robotics in Healthcare

The rapid advancement of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) has revolutionised almost every aspect of society, particularly within the home and health environments, where more community-led care is benefiting the NHS. 

As these technologies become increasingly integrated into household routines, they offer significant benefits, such as increased efficiency in performing everyday tasks and
greater companionship. 

However, the demand for RAS in domestic and healthcare settings also raises critical concerns related to safety, privacy, cybersecurity, and ethics. Addressing these issues
necessitates a robust regulatory framework that ensures that where technologies are used in caring for us, they are safe, reliable, and respectful of user rights and privacy.

Regulation and standards relating directly to the use of Service- or
Socially-Assistive Robots (SARs) in the home are limited at best and are not widely understood by those developing home automation systems or those expected to use such technology.

This report explores what international standards and regional regulations are presently available for governing the use of RAS in established environments such as manufacturing, while also providing insight into how these regulations might be integrated or adapted for use in healthcare and specifically SARs in the home. By examining these standards, this report highlights the necessity for balance between fostering innovation and protecting users.

For more information about the report:

Engineering Policy Unit 
Institution of Mechanical Engineers 
policy@imeche.org