Paro (robot)

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Paro is a therapeutic robot developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), a leading industrial automation pioneer in Japan. It is designed to interact with humans and provide comfort and companionship, particularly for elderly people with dementia.

Design and Functionality

Paro is modeled after a baby harp seal, a design choice intended to be both cute and unfamiliar, so that people do not have preconceived notions about its behavior. It is covered in soft artificial fur to make it pleasant to touch and hold.

Paro has five kinds of sensors: tactile, light, audition, temperature, and posture sensors, with which it can perceive people and its environment. It can recognize light and dark, hear sounds, feel being stroked, and recognize the direction of voice and words such as its name, greetings, and praise.

Paro can learn to behave in a way that the user prefers, and to respond to its new name. For example, if it is stroked every time it squeals, it will remember this and make the same noise more frequently.

Therapeutic Use

Paro has been found to have numerous therapeutic effects. It has been used in various countries, including Japan and the EU, where it has been certified as a type of neurologic therapeutic device by the EU.

In the United States, Paro has been used in nursing homes and hospitals to help reduce patient stress and to stimulate interaction between patients and caregivers. It has been shown to produce effects similar to animal-assisted therapy with dogs or cats, but without requiring a live animal with the associated care and potential for injury or allergic reactions.

Reception

Paro has been recognized as one of the "World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company in 2010, and has been displayed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Smithsonian Institution.

See Also

References

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia

  • Paro robot

  • Dr. Takanori Shibata and PARO

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.org/w/index.php?title=Paro_(robot)&oldid=6304888"

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD