It was announced today that a new company called Paro Robot U.S. will be responsible for distributing the Paro therapeutic robot in the United States and Canada. The Japanese robot that looks like a baby seal has already been demonstrated to have useful therapeutic functionality. We have written about Paro before when it was announced as the winner of Japan's first ever Robot Awards in 2006. According to the company's Press Release, the robot's hardware, functionality, and design are a technological marvel.
Covered in pure white fur, it features a hard inner skeleton under which are dual processors that control proprietary software behavior generation and voice recognition systems, and an array of sensors that working together, enable Paro to respond in a lifelike manner. The Paro robot can “see,” “hear,” and move proactively as well as reactively. The sophisticated technology is cleverly concealed in an elegant animatron that displays the intelligence and provides the companionship of a cherished pet.
Paro has been shown to help people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The company says that nearly 1000 robots are in use today. In 2006, we reported about Paro's use by autistic and handicapped children. The robot is expected to be as much a success in North America as it has been in Japan even though its cost is rather high. Paro will be sold for $5000 dollars which might be out of reach for many people who can truly benefit from having one. However, this is is another step towards making more widely available useful robots and so these new are definitely very good.
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