Specially designed for therapy and modeled as a baby seal in its appearance, sounds, and behaviors, the therapeutic robot is manufactured for use particularly in hospitals and nursing homes, and is the size of a cat. Having the appearance of a baby seal, this cute robot is able to analyze the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder. It has benefits such as reducing negative emotions and behaviors, improving social engagement, and maintaining a positive mood.
Sensitive to touch and designed to cuddle with people, this robot is able to learn names and interact with the person in front of him by producing sounds similar to real baby seals. Paro has 3 main benefits: reducing negative emotions and behaviors, improving social engagement, and maintaining a positive mood. In addition, it has been clinically proven that Paro reduces anxiety, stress, pain, and depression.
It was invented in 2004 by the Japanese engineer Dr. Takanori Shibata and is the 8th generation of the design used throughout Europe. Produced for use in hospitals and nursing homes, the robot is a baby harp seal that helps reduce stress, anxiety, and the use of antipsychotics in elderly patients with dementia.
Benefits of Using a Therapeutic Robot
Because it acts as a game for both adult patients and children, it helps them cope with neurological or cognitive disorders and makes them feel well. The benefits of using the Paro companion therapeutic robot are as follows;
- Reducing negative emotions and behaviors,
- Improving social engagement,
- Maintaining a positive mood,
The Paro companion therapeutic robot is the size of a cat, equipped with dual 32-bit processors, three microphones, touch-sensitive whiskers featuring twelve tactile sensors covering his fur, and the ability to move his limbs and body silently. He recharges by sucking on his electric pacifier. Paro responds to you by moving his tail. He cries to attract attention, and reacts to sounds and his name. Designed to cuddle with people, the robot can learn names and interact with you by making sounds similar to real baby seals. He can move his legs by reacting as if he were alive.
For the Treatment of Which Diseases Is It Used?
Paro can be used to help recover from certain disorders. He can analyze the characteristics of autism. Following a study conducted to evaluate the effects of robots on children with autism spectrum disorder, it has been observed to have numerous benefits. Since the Paro companion therapeutic robot serves as a social companion for those who interact with him, he also provides benefits to children. He has found stimulating effects on new social behaviors such as increased engagement, increased attention levels, and joint attention. Paro has the ability to act humanly, taking on the roles of a playmate, social actor, and therapist.
Paro can analyze the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder and can intervene by creating controlled environments that help reduce anxiety that may arise from autism spectrum disorder.
Furthermore, produced for use in hospitals and nursing homes, the robot is designed in the model of a baby harp seal used to provide psychological support to elderly patients with dementia. Other diseases where the therapeutic robot is used are as follows;
- Dementia, emotional and behavioral distress,
- Cognitive disorders,
- Developmental disorders,
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and social isolation,
- Palliative and hospice care.