The Science Behind PARO: The Therapeutic Companion

By Ankit SinghReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Oct 30 2024

In today’s healthcare landscape, therapeutic robots like PARO are redefining patient care by providing non-pharmacological treatments that soothe, engage, and uplift. PARO, an interactive robot resembling a baby harp seal, enhances patient care across multiple settings by reducing stress, stimulating cognitive engagement, and providing soothing companionship.

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Developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan, PARO is designed to bring the benefits of animal therapy to patients in healthcare settings where live animals may not be practical or allowed.

Features and Capabilities

PARO is modeled after a baby harp seal and equipped with advanced sensory technology that enables it to move its head and limbs, produce sounds, and exhibit behaviors that mimic a living creature, including imitating the vocalizations of a real seal pup.

• Five types of sensors: tactile, light, auditory, temperature, and posture
• Ability to recognize light and dark environments
• Responsive to touch, including stroking and holding
• Can identify voice direction and specific words like its name and greetings
• Capable of learning and adapting behaviors based on user interactions

The Technology Behind PARO

The technology behind PARO is both sophisticated and intentionally designed to create a warm, responsive experience similar to that of a live companion animal. Using a combination of sensors, processors, and movement systems, PARO can purr, blink, and react naturally to touch. This section will take a closer look at the main components of this advanced robotic system and how they all contribute to bringing PARO to life.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) System

PARO is equipped with advanced AI that allows it to learn from interactions over time. Through adaptive programming, PARO adjusts its responses based on how it is treated. For example, when treated gently, it may respond affectionately by purring, while rough handling can prompt defensive reactions. This personalization deepens the connection between PARO and the user, making each interaction feel unique and engaging.^1,2

Tactile Sensors

Highly responsive tactile sensors on PARO’s head, back, and flippers enable it to recognize and respond to different types of touch. These sensors help PARO interpret the nature of each interaction, whether it is a gentle pet or a firmer grip, and respond accordingly. For example, stroking its head might lead PARO to close its eyes and produce soft sounds, mimicking the comfort of a live animal.^1,2

Audio and Visual Sensors

PARO’s sophisticated audio sensors, including a directional microphone, allow it to detect the origin of sounds, such as voices, and respond to vocal cues. Additionally, visual sensors help it perceive environmental changes, like lights going off, triggering lifelike reactions such as the closing of its eyes. These sensory abilities enhance its role as a responsive and comforting companion.^1,2

Locomotion System

PARO’s small motors and actuators power gentle movements in its neck, flippers, and head. These motions enable it to perform lifelike actions, such as waving a flipper, lifting its head as if to look at someone, or cuddling closer when held. Such gestures mimic those of a real baby seal, encouraging users to form an emotional connection.^1,2

Temperature Sensors

To add to its realism, PARO includes internal temperature sensors that monitor both its own temperature and the surrounding environment. This feature prevents overheating and allows PARO to maintain a cozy warmth, providing a comforting, life-like presence.^1,2

Communication Modules

PARO also has integrated communication features such as Bluetooth and USB ports, which allow for easy software updates and data transfer. These connectivity options are vital for adjusting PARO’s responses to meet current healthcare needs. The USB port, specifically, is useful for diagnostics, maintenance, and firmware updates, ensuring that healthcare providers can customize PARO’s settings for specific patient needs.^1,2

Building on its individual components, PARO’s technologies work in seamless coordination, managed by a central processing unit that interprets sensory inputs and dictates real-time responses.

For example, when a user gently pets PARO’s back, the tactile sensors detect the touch and send this data to the processor, which then activates a soft purring sound from PARO’s speakers. Similarly, if the user speaks to PARO, the audio sensors identify the direction of the voice, prompting the robot to turn toward it, creating a sense of attentiveness.

This integrated system allows PARO to replicate the responses of a live animal, fostering natural, intuitive interactions—especially beneficial for users with cognitive or emotional needs.^1,2

PARO’s Versatile Role in Therapeutic Care

PARO’s adaptability across different therapeutic settings has made it a valuable asset in various healthcare fields, bringing comfort and support to patients in need.

In geriatric care, for example, PARO is especially beneficial for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Many elderly individuals experience agitation, loneliness, and anxiety, and PARO’s comforting presence helps alleviate these feelings. Research has shown that interacting with PARO can reduce stress and improve mood, providing safe companionship without the unpredictability associated with live animals.³

In pediatric care, PARO serves as a playful yet calming companion, helping children cope with long hospital stays and painful procedures. For children dealing with trauma, anxiety, or developmental challenges, PARO’s presence reduces fear and encourages emotional expression, fostering social engagement and aiding in communication skills development.⁴

PARO also plays a significant role in mental health therapy, especially for individuals with PTSD, depression, or anxiety disorders. Therapeutic interactions with PARO provide a comforting, uncomplicated form of companionship that allows patients to process emotions without the complexities of human relationships. Studies suggest that these interactions can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, making PARO a valuable tool in mental health care.⁵

In rehabilitation and occupational therapy, PARO’s design supports exercises that focus on motor skills, grip strength, and cognitive engagement. Tasks such as gentle petting, holding, and manipulating PARO’s limbs contribute to improving fine motor skills, while PARO’s responses encourage sustained participation, making therapy sessions more engaging and beneficial for patients with physical or neurological impairments.⁶

In hospice and palliative care settings, PARO offers comfort and emotional support to terminally ill patients, providing a unique, non-judgmental presence that helps alleviate feelings of isolation. This sense of companionship offers peace and solace to both patients and their families, demonstrating the profound impact of compassionate technology in end-of-life care.⁷

The Future of PARO: Enhancements on the Horizon

While PARO has already shown its value as a therapeutic tool, several potential advancements could make it even more effective and versatile in healthcare:

• Enhanced Emotional Recognition: With improvements in AI, future versions of PARO may be able to recognize and respond to subtle emotional cues, such as facial expressions and tone of voice. This would allow for more personalized interactions, deepening its impact in therapeutic settings​​.^8,9

• Greater Mobility and Interaction: By adding mobility features, such as the ability to move or reposition itself, PARO could become more lifelike and interactive. This enhancement would allow PARO to engage with users more naturally, making it especially helpful for patients with limited mobility or cognitive challenges​​.^6,8,9

• Customizable Settings for Different User Needs: Future PARO models could offer customizable behavior settings to better meet the needs of various patient populations. For instance, a more energetic mode might be beneficial for children, while a calming mode could suit palliative care. These settings could be easily adjusted through a companion app, allowing healthcare providers to tailor PARO’s behavior in real-time​​.^8,9

• Data Collection and Analysis: By integrating data collection capabilities, PARO could record and analyze user interactions, providing caregivers with insights into patient progress over time. This quantitative data could support and enhance qualitative observations, helping caregivers make more informed treatment decisions​​.^8,9

• Language and Cultural Adaptability: Expanding PARO’s language options and incorporating culturally relevant responses would allow it to connect more effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds. This feature would be valuable in international and multilingual healthcare settings, enhancing PARO’s accessibility and therapeutic reach​​.^8,9

Conclusion

PARO has proven to be an effective companion in therapeutic care, offering patients comfort and emotional support that feels surprisingly real. Its combination of smart AI and lifelike responses helps bridge the gap in healthcare by offering a level of companionship that’s accessible in any setting, from elderly care facilities to pediatric wards.

With further advancements on the horizon, PARO’s potential to make an even greater impact in care continues to grow. By combining technology with a compassionate approach, PARO is helping set new standards in therapeutic support, making a positive difference in the quality of life for those who need it most.

References and Further Reading

1. Crume, Y. S. (2020). The story of PARO, a robotic harp seal pup. Animals and Ourselves: Essays on Connections and Blurred Boundaries, 256-268. https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Animals_and_Ourselves/_kH_DwAAQBAJ
2. Porkodi, S. et al. (2021). Healthcare Robots Enabled with IoT and Artificial Intelligence for Elderly Patients. In: AI and IoT‐Based Intelligent Automation in Robotics. Wiley Online Library. DOI:10.1002/9781119711230.ch6. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781119711230.ch6
3. Inoue, K. et al. (2021). Exploring the applicability of the robotic seal PARO to support caring for older persons with dementia within the home context. Palliative Care and Social Practice. DOI:10.1177/26323524211030285. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/26323524211030285
4. Kitt, E. R. et al. (2021). Evaluating the role of a socially assistive robot in children’s mental health care. Journal of child and family studies, 30(7), 1722-1735. DOI:10.1007/s10826-021-01977-5. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10826-021-01977-5
5. Rasouli, S. et al. (2022). Potential Applications of Social Robots in Robot-Assisted Interventions for Social Anxiety. Int J of Soc Robotics 14, 1–32 (2022). DOI:10.1007/s12369-021-00851-0. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12369-021-00851-0
6. Shibata, T. et al. (2020). PARO as a Biofeedback Medical Device for Mental Health in the COVID-19 Era. Sustainability, 13(20), 11502. DOI:10.3390/su132011502. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/20/11502
7. Miles, A. et al. (2024). Robotic Animal Use among Older Adults Enrolled in Palliative or Hospice Care: A Scoping Review and Framework for Future Research. Robotics, 13(6), 92. DOI:10.3390/robotics13060092. https://www.mdpi.com/2218-6581/13/6/92
8. Licardo, J. T. et al. (2023). Intelligent Robotics—A Systematic Review of Emerging Technologies and Trends. Electronics, 13(3), 542. DOI:10.3390/electronics13030542. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/13/3/542
9. Lim, V. et al. (2021). Social robots on a global stage: establishing a role for culture during human–robot interaction. International Journal of Social Robotics, 13(6), 1307-1333. DOI:10.1007/s12369-020-00710-4. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12369-020-00710-4

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