Humanoid Nurse Robots as Caring Entities: A Revolutionary Probability?

Abstract

The probability that humanoid nurse robots (HNRs) can be caring seems plausible. The question explored by this article is: what are humanoid nurse robots manifesting when they become more functionally advanced and human-like? Its discussion is grounded in several foundational philosophical and theoretical viewpoints such as Plato’s focus on “soul,” Rogers’ emphasis on human energy fields, Boykin and Schoenhofer’s assumption of persons as caring because of their humanness, and the prescriptive or predictive practice of nursing. Imploring logical explanations, the possibility of humanoid robots manifesting caring seems to become more likely. In future developments, to what end will HNRs be functional and able to manifest caring regardless of their human-likeness?

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Nursing: Ethics of Caring as a Guide to Dividing Tasks Between AI and Humans

“…It should be noted that it is possible that at some point in the future, AI might be able to offer the distinctly human elements of care. For example, Locsin et al (2018) suggest that, although probabilistic, with the advent of quantum computing and the predicted singularity, humanoid nurse robots (HNRs) capable of caring will not only exist but “be considered indispensable, so that acceptance, confirmation, revelation, and support of persons as caring in nursing may be achieved” (p. 146). They dedicate their paper to exploring the implications of “humanoid robots as ‘beings’ which are endowed with a caring capacity by possessing qualities to ably manifest caring” (p. 147).…”

Artificial Brain for the Humanoid-Nurse Robots of the Future: Integrating PsyNACS© and Artificial Intelligence

“…-With efficiency and wholesome appreciation of being caring entities, HNRs are more than robots and all the more so than mere tools! [40].…”

Intelligent humanoid robots expressing artificial humanlike empathy in nursing situations

“…This context can be located in the environment in which humanoid nurse robots as intelligent humanoid robots can be appreciated as “caring entities,” as described by Locsin et al. (2018). In their discussion, HR development was grounded in several foundational philosophical and theoretical viewpoints such as Plato's focus on “soul,” (https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ancient-soul/), as well as Rogers’ emphasis on human energy fields as described by Biley (1993).…”

“…Incorporating technology into the care of older persons becomes more relevant as the advancement of technology progresses (Pepito, Locsin, et al, 2019). While these technological advances may bring many positive changes that could dramatically lighten and simplify nursing work, some trends such as robotics in nursing are often looked at with misgivings because of the possibility that HNRs might replace nurses entirely (Locsin et al., 2018; Pepito & Locsin, 2019).…”