Conceptual design of a social robot for pediatric hospitals

Abstract

No-one likes being confined to a hospital bed. Children particularly can feel lonely, bored or frightened in these conditions. Hours feel like days, and they may not be able to fully comprehend why they are there. Among kids hospitalized because of distinct diseases, children with cancer have incomparable status and needs. They experience physical and mental problems caused by cancer and medications. Cancer treatment may cause distress which can lessen the effectiveness of the treatment. Utilizing social robots to interact with children in clinical environments has been verified to both diminish their distress level and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment process. To improve the quality of life for children with cancer during the treatment process, a social robot named “Dr. Arash” has been designed for pediatric hospitals. This social robot is able to move around in various areas of the hospital and interact with children in order to answer their questions, to motivate, to entertain, to help relieve their physical sufferings and distress, and to enhance their cooperation with the clinical staff.