Robin is a social companion robot that stands at about 4 feet tall and it can move, talk and play with others while being remotely controlled by humans.
Experts from UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital's Chase Child Life Program planned hour-long video visits with young patients using Robin, comparing it with using a standard tablet, from October 2020 to April 2021. At the end of the study, children and their parents were interviewed about their experiences. 90% of parents who had a visit with Robin said they were "extremely likely" to ask another visit. Children reported a 29% increase in active affect—they were more likely to experience the world in an active way, including feelings, communications with others and attitudes towards life's challenges.
Child life experts said that children could benefit a lot from this technology. With the help of Robin, children were more likely to communicate with others and it seemed easier for them to get close to others during play. It could also help them have better hospital experiences and form new and trusting friendships.
"Our team has proved that a social companion robot is better than video chats on a standard tablet. Lt gives us a more imaginative and profound way to make the hospital less stressful, said Justin Wagner. MD, a doctor at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital. "As the pandemic- continues, our patients are still feeling anxious and vulnerable in bared ways, so it's important that we can be as creative as possible to make their experiences easier when they need our help."
_________ It can help healthcare workers have better relationships with patients and focus more on them. What's more, it can help control infection.
The authors say lots of young patients can benefit from this technology. It's a good idea to have social companion robots like Robin in children's hospitals.
