PARO is a therapeutic robot, developed by the AIST and available from Intelligent System Co., Ltd.
PARO, modeled on a baby harp seal, displays emotional responses to external stimuli which are input via a range of tactile, light, audio and temperature sensors. PARO is designed to have a positive psychological effect on people who interact with it.
"PARO has a value system that includes enjoying being stroked and disliking being hit. In its relationship with its owner, PARO remembers if it's been stroked. And in similar situations, this robot acts in ways that make it more likely to be stroked. In this way, PARO gradually learns to develop a personality that its owner likes."
In long-term trials by medical institutions, it's been confirmed that PARO has similar effects to animal therapy. Major results have been observed in three areas: psychological, physiological, and social effects.
"For example, elderly people with dementia, especially if their condition is severe, may get agitated and violent, and be unable to settle down. Previously, such patients were sedated, and even now, that's sometimes done in Europe and America. In Japan, such patients are sometimes physically restrained. But if such patients have contact with PARO, they settle down almost immediately, smile, and feel good. Sometimes they're able to talk. As such effects can be actually observed, there's no need to use drugs. Of course, this method doesn't work in 100% of cases. But even if it doesn't work, it has no particular side-effects, so all you need to do is stop using it. So this method has great advantages."
PARO is priced at 350,000 yen with a one-year warranty, and 420,000 yen with a three-year warranty. In Japan, 1,300 PARO robots are already in use. Care facilities in Denmark and other European countries have also started to introduce PARO. In America, PARO has been approved by the FDA, and will be introduced this year.
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