Emotionally intelligent robot
“The goal was to create a technology that’s not just a device, but a peer and friend.” says entrepreneur Karen Khachikyan, robin’s proud parent. The robot is like a real-life Pixar character that can respond based on stored memory, even thoroughly explaining medical procedures.
Robin is a researcher-based child-friendly emotional support robot. It reduces stress among pediatric patients and fosters cooperation between them and the medical staff. Robin has extensive experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, simulation, rapid prototyping of robots using 3D printers and milling machines.
The artificial intelligence system was developed by a Silicon Valley company named Expper Technologies, a supported startup with roots in Yerevan, Armenia. Robin’s technology enables the robot to build what is called associative memory. It recognizes a child’s emotions by interpreting his or her facial expressions and builds responsive dialogue by replicating patterns formed from previous experiences.
Negative feelings are even stronger during this time
When an 8-year-old pneumonia patient at a clinic in Armenia had barely eaten for two days. The medical staff brought a new face into her room, Robin the Robot. Robin is integrated as a member of the team, augmenting our ability to give children contact, attention, and companionship. After about 20 minutes of discussing favorite animals and playing a game of I Spy, robin said goodbye, vowing to return only if the patient promised to eat. Sure enough, she does. With big, googly eyes and a cheerful personality.
Health care and robin
Robin is an AI-based companion designed to ease anxiety and loneliness among children in hospitals and clinics. In addition to providing emotional support for pediatric patients, robin will be the subject of a study by a multidisciplinary team of medical and behavioral specialists that will assess the robot’s impact on children and families.
The ability to provide pediatric patients with this type of social companionship is very compelling, particularly during this pandemic. By bringing robin to UCLA, team of clinicians and researchers would work tirelessly to improve this technology and make it an even more powerful tool. A new way of medication is emerging with AI-based technologies like robin the robot.
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