Robot seal pup one step closer to helping people with dementia

Monday 5 March 2018

Robotic seals that respond to touch and speech are a step closer to being introduced onto dementia wards following new research.

Hygiene and cleaning tests were carried out over nine months on a 10-bed dementia ward and the results, just published, show that PARO was maintained within acceptable limits for NHS Infection Control.

Dr Doug Brown, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, says:

'It’s great news that PARO has sealed the deal, bringing these robots one step closer to supporting people with dementia.

'With no cure for dementia and no new treatments for over fifteen years, it’s important to develop innovative ways to support the 850,000 people living with dementia today.

'These novel seal robots can boost social engagement, improve mood and reduce agitation in some people living with dementia. Although it is vital that they are used alongside human contact, and never replace it.'

Visit PARO Robots website
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Research, Innovation, Equipment and Technology

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