A Pilot Study on Using an Intelligent Life-like Robot as a Companion for Elderly Individuals with Dementia and Depression

摘要

This paper presents the design, development, methodology, and the results ofa pilot study on using an intelligent, emotive and perceptive social robot (akaCompanionbot) for improving the quality of life of elderly people with dementiaand/or depression. Ryan Companionbot prototyped in this project, is arear-projected life-like conversational robot. Ryan is equipped with featuresthat can (1) interpret and respond to users' emotions through facialexpressions and spoken language, (2) proactively engage in conversations withusers, and (3) remind them about their daily life schedules (e.g. taking theirmedicine on time). Ryan engages users in cognitive games and reminiscenceactivities. We conducted a pilot study with six elderly individuals withmoderate dementia and/or depression living in a senior living facility inDenver. Each individual had 24/7 access to a Ryan in his/her room for a periodof 4-6 weeks. Our observations of these individuals, interviews with them andtheir caregivers, and analyses of their interactions during this periodrevealed that they established rapport with the robot and greatly valued andenjoyed having a Companionbot in their room.