[wordup] The health benefits of robotic pets

[Adam Shand]

Dear Mum and Dad,

When you're old and crazy do you want a hassle free robotic pet to 
stimulate your mind?

Adam.

From: http://www.we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/003541.php

The health benefits of robotic pets

By Regine on robots

Alexander and Elena Libin from Georgetown University are looking at the 
possible health benefits of a robotic cat.

They believe the pet could assist people living with coronary artery 
disease, Alzheimer's disease and other ailments.

The robotic cat, first released in 2001 by Omron Corp., is called 
NeCoRo  and is equipped with touch sensors on the body allowing it to 
automatically respond when stroked or petted.

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It also has sound sensors in the ears to recognize its own name. The 
feline can't walk, but can wag its tail, detect movement through an 
optical sensor, stretch its body, and meow, hiss and purr, depending on 
its "mood" and any environmental stimulation.

The Libins tested the robotic cat with people living with Alzheimer's 
disease, sensory disintegration disorder, attention deficit disorder 
and coronary artery disease. They found that interaction with NeCoRo 
resulted in greater feelings of interest and enjoyment for these 
groups.

The robot cat may have medical applications beyond positive feelings, 
for example, by reminding patients to take medication at a certain 
time.

Via ABC News.

Another pet robot used in healthcare is Paro, which in 2002 was awarded 
by the Guinness Book of Records the title of "most therapeutic robot in 
the world."

The seal robot, developed by Japan's National Institute of Advanced 
Industrial Science and Technology, was also tested at nursing homes 
both in Japan and Sweden, with autistic and handicapped children this 
time.

Nurses reported that Paro helped relieve patients' anxiety and improved 
communication among patients and their caregivers.

  
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Surface tactile sensors beneath its fur and whiskers trigger Paro to 
move and respond to petting: eyes open and close, flippers move. Just 
holding and stroking the critter has a calming effect.