A new Robot Girl is comforting hospital patients. It acts just like a 7-year-old child. This Robot fights fear and feelings of isolation. Moreover, the robot helps with short staffing issues. This gentle companion is called Robin the Robot. The Girl provides unique emotional support. It helps those who are most vulnerable. Expper Technologies created this Robot Girl. They found a new way to help patients. This new Robot has a child’s voice. A screen shows its cartoonish face.
The Robot Girl is currently active in hospitals. For example, it met a boy named Luca at UMass Memorial. Luca is a young patient with leukemia. The Girl asked him about his feelings. It even remembered his name from their last visit. Small gestures like this matter greatly. This also helps children with painful procedures. A specialist showed Luca his IV line. Then, the Robot played a cartoon about the procedure. This simple act reduces fear. So, the Robot Girl is a comforting presence, offering a bit of normal life.
In addition, the Robot assists with staff shortages. Many nurses and doctors are overwhelmed. They do not have time for patients. The Girl fills this gap effectively. The robot takes some pressure off them. This leads to better patient care. The Robot Girl has 30% autonomy. A team of remote operators controls the rest. They work closely with medical staff. This ensures the Robot is safe.
Beyond its work with children, the Robot also visits nursing homes. There, it helps people with dementia. The robot plays memory games with them, and it also guides them through breathing exercises. Since the Robot Girl offers such valuable companionship, one woman specifically asked for it during a panic attack. The Robot immediately played her favorite songs and showed her videos of puppies, and she calmed down very quickly.
This Robot brings joy to everyone it meets, and even staff members love it. The Robot Girl walks down the halls, and everyone wants to say hello. It remembers patient names and also their favorite music. A speech pathologist said patients’ faces light up around it, and indeed, the Girl brings a sense of fun. Therefore, it is a very welcome new face in healthcare, making a big difference in people’s lives.
Initially, developers tested the Robot Girl in many places. Then, an investor suggested pediatric hospitals because children often feel lonely and stressed. This was an “aha moment” for them. Consequently, the creators launched a pilot program at the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital in 2020. Since then, the Robot Girl’s personality has evolved based on user responses. The company says its users designed it by providing input that shaped its personality.
Looking ahead, developers have big plans for the Robot. They want it to measure vitals and check on patients’ well-being, information that would be sent to the medical team. They also plan for it to assist with physical tasks. The Robot Girl could help elderly patients with things like changing clothes or even with bathroom trips. However, the ultimate goal is not to replace staff but instead to fill the gaps. Consequently, the Girl will become more and more essential, consistently supporting human caregivers.
Ultimately, a personal story prompted the company to create this robot. The CEO grew up in Armenia in a single-parent household and often felt very lonely. He, therefore, wanted to build a friend, a Robot that could be a companion. His vision became a reality. Now, this Robot Girl brings comfort to many people and has a real impact on patient wellness. Clearly, the robot is a key part of care and an amazing new tool. This Girl is a friend to many, helping hospitals nationwide, and truly represents a technological leap forward.
