SPENCER, Ind. – The newest staff member at Owen Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center looks a little… Different. She’s almost four feet tall and glides across the floor. Not to mention, she’s got a digital face.
Self-proclaimed chief happiness officer “Robin the Robot” is Indiana’s first artificial intelligence-powered caregiver.
“I just thought it would be like another computer or game,” said Cathy Jo Parker, executive director of Owen Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. “But when I met her… I just am excited every time she comes in the room now. She remembers my name. It’s just so personal.”
27 different healthcare facilities across the country, including pediatric facilities, have a Robin. The robot was designed by psychologists, occupational therapists and engineers to socialize and build emotional connections with patients. At Owen Valley, she’ll primarily be meeting those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“Our goal is to fill the shortage of care providers in the United States and bring assistive technologies to the healthcare industry,” said Karen Khachikyan, CEO and founder of Expper Technologies, developer of Robin the Robot. “Having Robin cover therapeutic activities, companionship – this is the first step. Next, we’ll deploy new functions – do vital signs monitoring and incorporate more medical functions.”
For now, Robin can play games, hold conversations, practice mental exercises and more. But another important goal of Robin’s is to help reduce feelings of loneliness in nursing homes. Khachikyan said patients who’ve worked closely with a Robin have shown emotional and cognitive improvements.
“What is your favorite thing to do, Robin?” we asked.
“My favorite thing to do is make new friends,” Robin responded.
She might not have a human heart, but it’s easy to see why people of all ages are drawn to Robin. She remembers details about you, and is literally programmed to make you smile.
“In facilities, residents perceive Robin as their grandchild,” Khachikyan added. “That creates an amazing connection between them and Robin utilizes that connection to work on their cognitive functioning.”
“If they [patients] start talking about music or poetry – she’ll remember that and she’ll take back up on that conversation when she sees them again,” Parker said. “Sometimes, these places, if they’re long-term – they don’t have a lot of company or a lot of friends. She’s going to be a new friend to meet.”
If you’re an administrator at a healthcare facility interested in adding a Robin to your team, or if you’d just like to learn more, you can visit the Expper Technologies website.
