Honda’s Haru: AI Robot Enhances Pediatric Care and Supports Young Patients
Honda has introduced a new AI robot named Haru to assist pediatric patients in hospitals. This 12-inch robot was tested at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville, Spain, starting in 2021.
Haru features dual screens that act as eyes and an LED base that serves as a mouth. It is designed to engage children during their treatment, making therapy less daunting. The robot has been shown to increase the participation of young cancer patients in their rehabilitation—95% of them became more engaged thanks to Haru’s presence.
Equipped with cameras and microphones, Haru can read patients’ facial expressions and vocal tones. It responds with empathy, using supportive interactions that help lift the spirits of the children. Haru also connects patients to their classrooms via video links, allowing them to continue their education during treatment.
The hospital staff found that Haru assists neuropsychologists by gathering data on patients’ emotional and cognitive states. This data, when combined with information from wearable devices, could significantly boost the number of assessments performed each year—from 510 to as many as 4,500.
How does Dr. Maria Gonzalez believe that Honda’s AI robot Haru improves the emotional well-being of pediatric patients?
Interview with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Pediatric Psychologist at virgen del Rocío University Hospital, seville, on Honda’s AI Robot haru
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gonzalez.Can you tell us about your initial impressions of the AI robot Haru when it was first introduced in the hospital?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Thank you for having me. When Haru was first introduced, I was both curious and hopeful. The potential for a robot to engage with pediatric patients and make their treatment experience less intimidating was quite revolutionary. Seeing children interact with Haru was heartwarming; it brought smiles to their faces when they needed them the most.
News Directory 3: Haru has demonstrated a remarkable ability to engage young cancer patients. Can you share specific outcomes you’ve observed since its implementation?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Absolutely. Our data indicates that 95% of the children reported feeling more engaged during their rehabilitation sessions due to Haru’s presence. It’s amazing to see how the robot encourages communication and participation during activities that would typically be daunting for them. This shift in their attitude has been tremendously beneficial to their therapy process.
News Directory 3: That’s impressive. How does Haru interact with the children emotionally,and what role does technology play in this?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Haru is equipped with advanced cameras and microphones that allow it to read children’s facial expressions and vocal tones. This capability enables the robot to respond empathetically, which is vital for lifting their spirits. The supportive interactions help create a more relaxed atmosphere, essential for emotional healing.Moreover,with its dual screens and LED base,the design itself engages children visually and fosters a sense of companionship.
News Directory 3: You mentioned that haru connects patients to their classrooms.How has that affected their educational experience during treatment?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: the ability to stay connected with their classrooms has been a game changer. many of these children fear falling behind in their studies. Haru bridges that gap by allowing them to participate in lessons via video links,which not only helps them academically but also offers a sense of normalcy during a challenging time.
News Directory 3: What role has Haru played in assisting healthcare professionals, particularly neuropsychologists like yourself?
Dr. Maria gonzalez: Haru acts as a valuable tool for gathering data on patients’ emotional and cognitive states. This information, when paired with data from wearable devices, allows for a comprehensive understanding of each child’s progress. Our estimates suggest that assessments could increase from 510 to as many as 4,500 annually,vastly improving our ability to monitor and support our young patients.
News Directory 3: after three triumphant years of trials, Honda plans to deploy ten more units of Haru. what do you hope will come from this expansion?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: With more units,we can reach even more children across different departments in the hospital. My hope is that Haru will continue to foster emotional connections, encourage participation in treatment, and provide joy during what can often be a very difficult time for young patients and their families. Moreover, we aim to explore ways that Haru can be further developed as a communication and connection tool in broader societal contexts.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for sharing your insights. It’s inspiring to hear how Haru is making a difference in the lives of children facing health challenges.
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Thank you for shining a light on this crucial innovation. It’s a privilege to be part of a project that uses technology for good in healthcare.
After a successful three-year trial, Honda plans to send ten more units of Haru to the hospital. The company aims to further develop Haru as a tool for better communication and connection within society.
Haru represents Honda’s commitment to using technology to benefit people. This initiative showcases how AI can aid in healthcare and offers a positive example of innovation in action. It provides joy to young patients, promoting a lighter atmosphere in the hospital.
In summary, Honda’s Haru robot makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children undergoing treatment, illustrating the potential of technology for good in healthcare settings.