Robot and care technology directory
Every entry has a UK status, evidence grade, practical requirements and main limitation. That final field has been known to escape from some product pages.
Companion robots
by Service Robotics
A purpose-built digital companion linked to a remote-care platform.
Main limitation: It cannot provide physical care or guarantee that a prompted task has been completed.
View the reality checkCompanion robots
by Service Robotics
A lighter companion service for reminders, conversation and video calls.
Main limitation: Availability and exact service terms vary by provider.
View the reality checkRobotic pets
by Ageless Innovation
A responsive robotic cat that purrs, meows and reacts to touch.
Main limitation: It is a companion object, not a medical device, safety monitor or substitute for human contact.
View the reality checkRobotic pets
by Ageless Innovation
A touch-responsive robotic dog with movement and sound.
Main limitation: No emergency, monitoring or practical-care function.
View the reality checkRobotic pets
by AIST / PARO Robots
A sophisticated seal-shaped interactive robot used in care and clinical settings.
Main limitation: High cost, no practical-care function and not universally welcomed by users.
View the reality checkCompanion robots
by Intuition Robotics
A conversational companion device designed for older adults.
Main limitation: It is not a medical alert device and current UK purchase/support is uncertain.
View the reality checkFall detection
by Taking Care
A home-and-garden alarm with automatic fall detection and 24-hour monitoring.
Main limitation: No fall detector catches every event, and the wearable still has to be worn.
View the reality checkGPS and personal alarms
by Taking Care
A GPS personal alarm intended for use at home and while out.
Main limitation: GPS can be less accurate indoors and the unit must remain charged and carried.
View the reality checkFall detection
by Tunstall Healthcare
A wearable fall detector designed to connect into a Tunstall telecare system.
Main limitation: Requires the wider telecare system and consistent wearing.
View the reality checkGPS and personal alarms
by Tunstall Healthcare
A connected watch combining an alarm button, fall detection, location and geofencing.
Main limitation: It is still a wearable that must be charged and accepted by the user.
View the reality checkMedication
by Pivotell
A lockable rotating dispenser that presents the scheduled dose and sounds an alarm.
Main limitation: It cannot confirm that medicine was swallowed and is unsuitable for some medicines or regimens.
View the reality checkMedication
by Pivotell
A locked automatic dispenser with text or email alerts for dispensed or missed doses.
Main limitation: A notification that a dose was dispensed is not confirmation of ingestion.
View the reality checkHome monitoring
by Just Checking
Camera-free movement and door sensors that build a chart of activity at home.
Main limitation: Movement data cannot explain why something happened or guarantee wellbeing.
View the reality checkHome monitoring
by Just Checking
Real-time sensor alerts designed for roaming support teams across supported homes.
Main limitation: Not a normal family retail product and depends on a staffed response model.
View the reality checkHome monitoring
by Canary Care Global
A camera-free home monitoring system using movement, door, humidity and vibration sensors.
Main limitation: It observes patterns, not health status, intention or the full context of events.
View the reality checkHome monitoring
by Tunstall Healthcare
A pressure sensor that can alert when someone leaves a bed or chair and does not return.
Main limitation: It indicates occupancy changes, not the reason for them.
View the reality checkSmart speakers and displays
by Amazon
A general-purpose voice assistant that can handle calls, reminders and smart-home routines.
Main limitation: It is not a medical device, monitoring centre or dependable substitute for an emergency alarm.
View the reality checkFall detection
by Apple
A smartwatch feature that can detect some hard falls and start an emergency call if the wearer is unresponsive.
Main limitation: It can miss falls, requires charging and may be unsuitable for someone unable to manage a smartwatch.
View the reality checkTry removing a filter. The domestic robot industry has many prototypes, but still only a finite number of products one can actually obtain.