Robotics and AI for social innovation: at Imperia, the Officinae RAISE Bootcamp rewards technology in service of the elderly

From June 3rd to 6th, the Bootcamp of the P3 Officinae RAISE project took place in Imperia. This initiative, promoted by the University of Genoa and Confindustria Imperia, aims to bring master’s and PhD students closer to the business world through the development of high-tech solutions.

The 2025 edition saw the participation of numerous talented students from various master’s and doctoral programs at the University of Genoa, engaged in an intense design effort focused on innovative ideas, with particular attention to the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in real-world settings.

The first prize was awarded to a team that presented a project aimed at improving the quality of life for elderly residents in nursing homes, with a strong emphasis on maintaining emotional connections with families and supporting healthcare workers in their daily tasks.

The winning idea involved the development of an integrated system composed of a companion robot and a smart bracelet.

The robot, which is activated only at the resident’s request, provides companionship and cognitive stimulation in a gentle and respectful way.

The smart bracelet, on the other hand, automatically sends notifications through a mobile app to inform family members about daily activities such as meals, rehabilitation sessions, or other meaningful moments throughout the day.

The system, which is already technically feasible using existing technologies, was designed to integrate both medical and relational aspects. In addition to providing peace of mind to families, the device would allow real-time monitoring of residents’ vital signs, giving medical staff a useful tool to manage multiple patients simultaneously, reducing intrusive interactions and improving efficiency.

The project was inspired by real-life experiences in local nursing homes, building on existing best practices and seeking to enhance them further through the intelligent use of technology.

As noted by group spokesperson Ilaria Moltini, a master’s student in Management, “Artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool, but it will never replace human empathy.”

The Bootcamp proved to be a high-level platform for exchange among students, companies, and institutions. Thanks to the support of organizations such as Talent Garden Baltimora, Scientifica Venture Capital, and RAISE, and under the scientific guidance of Professor Nicoletta Buratti, the initiative created a dynamic and stimulating environment in which concrete and innovative ideas could emerge.

The experience stood out not only for the quality of the proposals presented but also for the strong spirit of collaboration, the focus on the social impact of the solutions, and the participants’ ability to turn complex problems into actionable projects, with an eye toward the future and the well-being of people.