La Laguna has become the first municipality in the Canary Islands to introduce an advanced rehabilitation robot into one of its day care centres, helping older residents with both physical and cognitive therapy.
The new technology has been installed at the Acaymo Day Centre, where it is being used to complement the work of therapists and care professionals while offering a more engaging rehabilitation experience for users.
A New Tool for Rehabilitation
The robot, affectionately nicknamed “Acaymito” by staff and users, supports therapy sessions by combining movement, sound and visual stimulation.
It can:
- Give spoken instructions during exercises
- Project colours and music
- Guide physical rehabilitation activities
- Support cognitive therapy sessions
Rather than replacing staff, the technology is designed to enhance existing therapy programmes and provide additional ways to encourage participation.
Personalised Therapy
Using built-in sensors and cameras, the robot gathers information that allows rehabilitation teams to adapt exercises to each person’s individual needs.
Before introducing the system, the Acaymo team received specialist training to ensure they could make full use of its rehabilitation programmes.
According to La Laguna Town Hall, the technology aims to improve physical ability, strengthen cognitive therapies and encourage greater social interaction among participants.
Building on Previous Innovation
The initiative follows discussions held during the First National Conference on Social Services, hosted in La Laguna last year, which explored the role of robotics and artificial intelligence in supporting older people and dependent care.
It is also not the municipality’s first investment in assistive technology. Earlier this year, the Acaymo Day Centre introduced a robotic therapy cat, designed to help reduce stress and combat loneliness among older residents.
The results of both projects will be monitored over the coming year, with the possibility of extending similar technologies to other care facilities across the municipality if they prove successful.