Social Robot Emotional Research
Sheffield Children's Hospital in the UK conducted a study on the Pepper robot, led by PhD student Brenda Littler. They aimed to explore the types of interactions between social robots and patients aged 5 to 12, as well as the emotional impact of meeting robots.
Children visiting hospitals often feel anxious, uneasy, or worried, and previous studies have shown that social robots (robots that interact with humans through language and movement) can help reduce these negative emotions.
Brandon & Pepper
Ten-year-old Brandon has suffered from eczema since he was two years old, and he visits Sheffield Children's Hospital for treatment every two weeks. Brandon's consultation can last four to five hours, which is a very long time for a child. However, meeting with the robot makes the consultation interesting because he gets to see his favorite robot, Pepper!
Brandon said, "Pepper is my favorite because it can play the saxophone and there are many interactions with it."
Brandon is very happy to see Pepper during his consultation and even asked if he could take Pepper home with him. Pepper can not only play the saxophone but also tell stories and dance with Brandon.
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Permanent Companionship
"We are conducting this research because we want to find a way to help reduce the anxiety and pain of children visiting hospitals and help them accept what is happening," said researcher Brenda.
Accompanying children during their hospital visits with Pepper provides a fresh and interesting experience, aiding in their recovery, which is a meaningful endeavor. Even as some patients are going through a complex and difficult journey due to health issues, social robots can offer support and care, helping to alleviate their suffering.
SoftBank Robotics, together with Pepper, uses the power of technology to assist in medical processes, looking forward to Pepper continuing to exert its value in the field of children's health, benefiting human life.
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