Honda has partnered with a Spanish hospital to introduce ‘Haru,’ an AI-powered social robot aimed at enhancing the lives of children undergoing long-term treatment.
Developed by the Honda Research Institute Japan Co., Ltd. (HRI-JP), this 30-cm (12-inch) robot has been successfully trialed with young cancer patients at Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR) in Seville, achieving a 95% increase in engagement with their rehabilitation since the trials began in 2021.
Haru collects biometric data, such as facial expressions and voice tones, to understand and interact with children empathetically. It can also connect to a wearable sensor, providing more detailed analyses of the users’ emotional states. This technology will potentially increase the number of emotional and cognitive assessments conducted annually from 510 to as many as 4,500.
A spokesperson for HUVR noted that Haru has a unique ability to bring happiness to children, contributing positively to their psychological well-being. The robot also facilitates online connections with schools, allowing hospitalized children to engage with their classmates.
As a neutral entity devoid of human attributes like gender or race, Haru effectively bridges generational and cultural differences. Satoshi Shigemi from HRI-JP emphasized the importance of Haru in enhancing the spirits of young patients and supporting hospital staff, aiming to improve overall well-being within the hospital environment.
- To find out more information about Haru, visit: https://www.jp.honda-ri.com/en/activity/haru-the-social-robot/. (You will be redirected away from Motoring Echo if/when you select this https URL)
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