“Is he alive?” asked Wolan, 94, who perked up in her wheelchair after the robot opened its big black eyes. “He’s so soft; he’s wonderful.”
Dementia Patients Respond to Interaction With Robotic Pet Seal
 Frances Wolan, who seldom speaks, pets a robot harp seal named Pikatti at Westmont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. “Is he alive?” asked Wolan, 94, who perked up after the robot opened its big black eyes. “He’s so soft; he’s wonderful.” (Chuck Berman, Chicago Tribune / May 9, 2011) |
By Joseph Ruzich, Special to the Tribune
Frances Wolan doesn’t talk much these days. But the resident of Westmont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center did have a lot to say about her new friend, Pikatti, a therapeutic robot that looks, feels and sounds like a baby harp seal.
The 6-pound robotic seal designed by Paro Robots, of Japan, is being used by about 40 medical agencies and hospitals in the United States as a treatment for patients with dementia, especially those who find it difficult to speak. (more…)
