At the Puygibault nursing home, in Loches (Indre-et-Loire), professionals are increasing the number of tools to best support the 175 residents. Animal mediation is notably practiced there. But within a few months, an interactive emotional robot will be present within the establishment, reports The New Republic.
Called Paro, this plush toy in the shape of a seal was presented to residents on Thursday October 31, 2024. This robot is intended to help people with cognitive disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
“Another support, non-medicinal”
Thanks to sensors present on its coat, its eyes and its whiskers, the robot will react to the caresses and words of residents, by interacting with them. “The objective is to provide other support, non-medicinal,” explained Stéphanie Berguer, facilitator of the establishment, to our colleagues.
During his visit, the seal has already been adopted. “We put him on the table, the first person came to him. She spoke to Paro like she would her dog who died several years ago. » From the first quarter of 2025, Paro will be present every day of the week. This emotional robot costs 8,000 euros. A sum which will be covered by the Rotary club of Loches.
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