Situated Analysis of Interactions between Cognitively Impaired Older Adults and the Therapeutic Robot PARO

In order to explore the social and behavioral mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of PARO, a robot resembling a baby seal, we conducted an eight-week-long study of the robot’s use in a group activity with older adults in a local retirement facility. Our research confirms PARO’s positive effects on participants by increasing physical and verbal interaction as evidenced by our behavioral analysis of video recorded interactions. We also analyzed the behavioral patterns in the group interaction, and found that the mediation of the therapist, the individual interpretations of PARO by different participants, and the context of use are significant factors that support the successful use of PARO in therapeutic implementations. In conclusion, we discuss the importance of taking the broader social context into account in robot evaluation.