Honda and a Spanish hospital have teamed up to reveal an AI-powered social robot, Haru, that will “help enhance the lives children undergoing long-term treatment. The Japanese company has developed the 30cm or 12 inch high compact desktop robot and successfully trialled it with young cancer patients at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR) in Seville, Spain.
The effects of Haru have been positive, Honda says. 95% of children have become more actively engaged with their rehabilitation since the trials at the hospital began in 2021. Haru has helped guide patients through the program as well as engaging them in conversation.
“Given these positive effects,” Honda said in a press release, “the trial will now move to fully-fledge utilisation of the robot, with 10 units being introduced to the facility’s paediatric oncology unit until 2027.”
Haru obtains biometric data about the user from its built-in camera and microphone. These include facial expressions and voice tones, which it then analyses to understand their current state. It then interacts with them according to that information, “using empathetic expressions and emotionally supportive responses.” It can also be connected to a “wristwatch-type wearable sensor” worn by the user to get more information about their condition.
It can even connect the children’s hospital room with their schools, allowing them to continue their education and interact with their classmates
“As a robot, Haru does not have any human attributes, such as gender, race or nationality, and is always capable of communicating from a neutral perspective,” says Honda. “This enables it to effectively facilitate conversation beyond generational and cultural differences, especially in groups.”
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