Robot assisted activity at a health service facility for the aged for ten weeks: An interim report of a long-term experiment

Abstract

A long-term experiment using robot-assisted activity has been conducted at a health service facility for the aged since August 2003. Two therapeutic seal robots, named Paro, were introduced at the facility. This paper provides an interim report for 10 experimental weeks. Face scales, consisting of illustrations similar to people's faces, were used to evaluate participants' moods. The results indicate that the feelings and moods of the elderly improved by interacting with the seal robots. Moreover, the robots encouraged them to communicate with each other and with the caregivers.