Mels_Smileys45
April 16th, 2009, 10:19 AM
I saw this robotic seal on the news being used in a nursing home and the residents responded so well to this little guy. Sometimes it can be the little things that brighten up an old persons day.
Paro - The Seal That Heals
Many parents and grandparents will agree that stuffed animals make wonderful playmates for children. But Paro (http://www.parorobots.com/) is much more than your average stuffed toy. Just one look at his big black eyes and charming white face will tell you he is far different from the rest. Paro was a great big hit at the 2009 (http://inventorspot.com/articles/paro_seal_heals_23167#) last month and is also certified by Guinness World Records as the "World's Most Therapeutic Robot."
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/paro1.img_assist_custom.jpg
Paro was developed in Japan specifically as a therapeutic device for the elderly and sick and injured children. The adorable baby (http://inventorspot.com/articles/paro_seal_heals_23167#)responds to human touch and sound as well as temperature, light and posture. The tiny sensors, located just beneath his whiskers and fur, trigger Paro to open and close his eyes, move his flippers and wiggle. Designed to look just like a real seal, his pure white artificial fur is made of antibacterial and soil-resistant material. The interactive robot, which took 12 years to create, actually learns behavior over time and can recognize several languages.
You can see a video of it here: Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1HbBqZrpe8)
While many experts agree that real pets help humans in a variety of ways, it is not always possible for animals to be present in hospitals or nursing homes. Paro provides a wonderful alternative. In January, 300 of the robotic seals were released in the United States and are currently being marketed to hospitals and nursing homes. Although he is an expensive little guy with a hefty $6000 price tag,Paro provides hours of comfort and companionship to those who need it most. Priceless!
(http://inventorspot.com/articles/paro_seal_heals_23167)
News (http://inventorspot.com/articles/paro_seal_heals_23167)
Paro - The Seal That Heals
Many parents and grandparents will agree that stuffed animals make wonderful playmates for children. But Paro (http://www.parorobots.com/) is much more than your average stuffed toy. Just one look at his big black eyes and charming white face will tell you he is far different from the rest. Paro was a great big hit at the 2009 (http://inventorspot.com/articles/paro_seal_heals_23167#) last month and is also certified by Guinness World Records as the "World's Most Therapeutic Robot."
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/paro1.img_assist_custom.jpg
Paro was developed in Japan specifically as a therapeutic device for the elderly and sick and injured children. The adorable baby (http://inventorspot.com/articles/paro_seal_heals_23167#)responds to human touch and sound as well as temperature, light and posture. The tiny sensors, located just beneath his whiskers and fur, trigger Paro to open and close his eyes, move his flippers and wiggle. Designed to look just like a real seal, his pure white artificial fur is made of antibacterial and soil-resistant material. The interactive robot, which took 12 years to create, actually learns behavior over time and can recognize several languages.
You can see a video of it here: Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1HbBqZrpe8)
While many experts agree that real pets help humans in a variety of ways, it is not always possible for animals to be present in hospitals or nursing homes. Paro provides a wonderful alternative. In January, 300 of the robotic seals were released in the United States and are currently being marketed to hospitals and nursing homes. Although he is an expensive little guy with a hefty $6000 price tag,Paro provides hours of comfort and companionship to those who need it most. Priceless!
(http://inventorspot.com/articles/paro_seal_heals_23167)
News (http://inventorspot.com/articles/paro_seal_heals_23167)