Medical Assistance Systems
Paro
The robot Paro is modeled after a harp seal pup. The seal puppet was developed in Japan by Takanori Shibata at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in 1993.
Paros size is 60 cm and there are tactile sensors under its fur. It also has visual, auditory and thermal sensors. The seal can move its tail, head and eyes and responds to sounds. Learning names and distinguish up to 50 voices is one of his capabilities. Paro can imitate seal sounds and noises.
The concept was inspired by animal-asissted therapies and is mainly used for patients suffering from dementia. By interacting with the robot, patients should become more talkative and learn to focus their attention better.
Introduction video: http://www.parorobots.com/training.asp
