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

TL;DR

This pilot study explores the use of an emotive, perceptive social robot named Ryan to improve quality of life for elderly individuals with dementia and depression, demonstrating positive engagement and rapport.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel life-like social robot prototype, Ryan, designed for emotional interaction and cognitive engagement with elderly users in a real-world setting.

Findings

Elderly users established rapport with Ryan.

Participants valued and enjoyed the robot's presence.

The robot facilitated cognitive and reminiscence activities.

Abstract

This paper presents the design, development, methodology, and the results of a pilot study on using an intelligent, emotive and perceptive social robot (aka Companionbot) for improving the quality of life of elderly people with dementia and/or depression. Ryan Companionbot prototyped in this project, is a rear-projected life-like conversational robot. Ryan is equipped with features that can (1) interpret and respond to users' emotions through facial expressions and spoken language, (2) proactively engage in conversations with users, and (3) remind them about their daily life schedules (e.g. taking their medicine on time). Ryan engages users in cognitive games and reminiscence activities. We conducted a pilot study with six elderly individuals with moderate dementia and/or depression living in a senior living facility in Denver. Each individual had 24/7 access to a Ryan in his/her room for a period of 4-6 weeks. Our observations of these individuals, interviews with them and their caregivers, and analyses of their interactions during this period revealed that they established rapport with the robot and greatly valued and enjoyed having a Companionbot in their room.