A care home in West Berkshire, UK, has begun trials using robotic pets.
The county’s annual report on social care states that the trial will examine how robotic pets can assist individuals who are lonely, as well as those with learning disabilities or dementia. The robotic pets have built-in sensors that respond to movement and touch, instantly reacting to the actions of their owners.
The care home operator stated that the robotic companions are programmed to behave in a usual manner. This, they say, could provide reassurance to people living with dementia (a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social skills so severely that they interfere with daily life) when they are overwhelmed by emotions. Interaction with robotic pets can reduce anxiety for people living with dementia.
Overall, the council has not yet specified which specific care centers the trial will be conducted at.
