Days after Meagan Brazil-Sheehan’s 6-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia, they were walking down the halls of UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center when they met Robin the Robot.
“Luca, how are you?” Robin asked in a voice designed to sound like a friendly child. The connection was immediate, as Brazil-Sheehan described the joy on her son's face during this interaction.
Robin is not just a typical robot; it is an AI-powered therapeutic companion, designed to provide emotional support to young patients in pediatric units while addressing staffing challenges in healthcare. After launching five years ago, this 4-foot (1.2-meter) tall robot has become a regular presence in over 30 healthcare facilities across California, Massachusetts, New York, and Indiana.
“Nurses are often overwhelmed, and they may not have time to engage with patients adequately,” said Karen Khachikyan, CEO of Expper Technologies, which developed the robot. “Robin acts as an assistant to provide that engagement.”
Since its introduction, Robin has proven successful in brightening the days of many young patients. During a visit to HealthBridge Children’s Hospital in Orange County, California, Robin engaged with patients by playing their favorite songs and even dancing along.
A speech language pathologist at the hospital mentioned that Robin remembers not just names but also personal preferences, bringing “joy to everyone” it encounters.
The robot is equipped to mirror emotional responses, displaying empathy when patients share difficult experiences and celebrating their happier moments with laughter.
Plans are underway to increase Robin's capabilities further, including monitoring patient vitals and assisting patients with daily living activities. Developers emphasize that the goal is not to replace healthcare workers but to supplement their services, addressing an impending physician shortage.
Overall, Robin represents a blend of technology and compassionate care, aiming to enhance the patient experience in healthcare settings.
