To enjoy the full video broadcast:
https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/high-tech-help-dublin-retirement-village-robot-named-willy-helping-to-ease-the-workload-elderly-residents-smart-technology-delivery-meals#
High tech help: Dublin Retirement Village robot helping to ease the workload
by Terri Sullivan – Wednesday, December 21st 2022
DUBLIN, Ohio (WSYX) — A dedicated worker at a local retirement village is finally getting some recognition.
Willy the robot is quick, shows up to work and he’s breaking barriers of a different kind at the Dublin Retirement Village.
“First of all, I want you to know how he got the name,” said resident Mary Seipel. “We had a contest among the residents and (the name) Willy won.”
“I really like Willy but I’m not gonna give him a tip,” chuckled Terry Otten, another resident.
Willy helps deliver meals and desserts in the dining room.
“We’re always looking for innovative ways to make somebody’s job easier,” said assistant executive director Victoria Barkin. “Be more efficient, more effective. And this robot was just a natural next step.”
Smart technology helps Willy avoid obstacles and navigate the dining hall. Another resident said Willy is a hard worker.
“A lot of hard work because Willy carries the trays of food many more times than their hands could carry,” said Calvin Chun.
“The first time this came out I can tell you the residents started clapping and then they were just talking and talking. Normally it’s pretty quiet here,” said Seipel.
Residents are charmed by the robot.
“I never thought in my lifetime I would ever see a robot. And here. And the second thing is when it came I was a little surprised because it was smaller than I thought it was. I’ve only seen robots on tv with big arms so this came in and it was so quiet I couldn’t believe it,” said Seipel.
For Mary, this could be the beginning of something big.
ABC 6 asked her what kind of robot she would like to see next.
“Long arms,” she replied laughing. “Like I pictured.”
A helping hand no matter what the shape or size.