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Robot Dogs Cheer Up Elderly

Posted Mar 1, 08 8:02 AM CST in Technology,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – Robot dogs are almost as effective as the real thing in cheering up elderly nursing home residents, a new study at St. Louis University has found. Once the patients had some time to get used to him, researchers say robot mutt AIBO lowered loneliness levels about as well as a lovable therapy dog named Sparky did in a control group, the AP reports.

AIBO wagged his robotic tail and blinked his lights as the residents talked to him. "He's an engaging sort of guy," the study's author said. Enthusiastic researchers say robot companions could be the way of the future. But one computer expert wasn't so sure, pointing out that the old folks may have felt less lonely simply because somebody had visited to drop the robot off.

Source Associated Press

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In this photo provided by Saint Louis University, a dog named Sparky is seen in this photo taken Friday, Feb. 29, 2008, in St. Louis. Sparky was part of a study by Saint Louis University that found the...   (Associated Press)
Puppies play with remote-controlled toy robot dogs 'Robopet' during a launching ceremony at a hotel in Seoul, 01 February 2006. U (JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images)
In this photo provided by Saint Louis University, NHC Healthcare of Maryland Heights, Mo., resident Gladys Moore is seen playing with the robotic dog in 2006, AIBO. A study by Saint Louis University has...   (Associated Press)
Marian Banks sits with her dog, Sparky, at her home Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, in St. Louis. Sparky was part of a study by Saint Louis University that found the lovable pooch and the interactive dog robot,...   (Associated Press)
The AIBO robot dog wagged its tail and flashed its lights as elderly nursing home residents spoke to it. "AIBO is charismatic if you start to interact with him," said the study's author   ((c) J.Grillo)
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An AIBO in action.   (gallamine (YouTube))

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dog  • elderly  • robot  • robotics  • nursing homes  • loneliness


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