Psychological and Social Effects of Robot-assisted Activity in the Elderly Robot-assisted at Health Service Facilities

Abstract

We have been developing cat and seal robots – called "mental commit robots" – to help people psychologically, physiologically, and socially. The actual animal seal robot was developed for use in therapy. We used seal robots to assist the elderly at a health service facility for the aged. To determine psychological and social effects of seal robots in such a setting, we evaluated moods using a face scale, which expresses moods by illustrating facial expressions, and Profile of Mood States, which evaluates moods through a questionnaire. Seal robots used at the facility for three weeks. The moods of elderly people were improved by interaction with them.