Robotic Cat Research Articles

OLDER ADULTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF SIGNALS COMMUNICATED BY ROBOT COMPANIONS FOR CAREGIVING

Abstract Robotic animal-like companions for older adults are promising technologies to address companionship and new models of care. Our project, Affordable Robotic Intelligence for Elderly Support, aims to design smart communication capabilities in an Ageless Innovation Joy for All™ robotic cat. The cat robot with enhanced capabilities uses intuitive digital cues, including display screen, sound, and LED to create affordances to communicate various interaction intents to engage users into desirable actions. We conducted a study with 315 participants to understand the efficacy of designed affordances. A total of 8 affordances for 8 task scenarios, each with 3 variations of complete or incomplete information, simulating possible experiences were tested with users. Participants were randomly assigned to the conditions “full” (=display+sound+LED), “no_display” (=sound+LED), and “no_sound” (=display+LED) and were asked to provide a response interpretation of the experience signals and rank a list of potential interpretations in order of possibility. Results indicate that participants in the full experience group liked the robot the most (M=6.95 on a scale of 1-10) and gave the highest probability of the robot being a pleasant companion to older adults (M=7.17), compared to the no_display group (M_likability=6.01; M_companionship=6.58) and the no_sound group (M_likability=6.35; M_companionship=6.96). Participants in “no_display” had the greatest difficulty at inferring the robot’s intent. However, the no_sound group had less difficulty understanding the robot than the “full” experience group. Sound (e.g., meowing) appeared to be ambiguous, and removing it improved the communicability of the designed interface of this robot companion.

Investigation of physiological and psychological effects of robotic cat and betta fish therapies in hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled study

AimsThis randomized controlled study was conducted to investigate the physiological and psychological effects of pet therapy in hemodialysis patients. BackgroundPet therapy has both physiological and psychological effects on individuals with chronic diseases. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have examined the physiological and psychological effects of pet treatment in hemodialysis patients worldwide. DesignA randomized controlled study. MethodsThe study was completed with 18 robotic cats, 18 Betta fish, and 18 control group patients. The data were collected at XXX State Hospital between May and September 2021 using data collection tools. Robotic pet treatment was applied to the robotic cat group for 20 min a week for two months during hemodialysis. The Betta fish group was allowed to keep Betta fish at home for two months, and they were followed for another two months. The data were evaluated in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 23.0 package program. The study was registered on Clinical Trials (NCT05339711). ResultsDuring robotic cat therapy, patients' loneliness and dialysis symptoms decreased, and happiness and treatment adherence to the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) increased; In the post-test follow-up, in the first measurement, the treatment adherence to the ESRD decreased, the loneliness and dialysis symptoms increased, the happiness did not change; In the second measurement of the post-test, happiness, and treatment adherence to ESRD decreased, loneliness and dialysis symptoms increased. During Betta fish therapy, patients' body mass index, happiness, and treatment adherence to ESRD increased, loneliness and dialysis symptoms decreased; in the first measurement, and loneliness, dialysis symptoms, body mass index, and treatment adherence to the ESRD increased; In the second measurement, loneliness, dialysis symptoms increased, body mass index and happiness decreased. ConclusionsThe study revealed that Robotic cat and Betta fish therapies had positive physiological and psychological effects in hemodialysis patients, and these effects were different from each other.

Exploration of a Robotic Cat to Address Dementia-Related Behaviors in a Long-Term-Care Setting

Abstract Date Presented 04/01/2022 Pandemic-related restrictions have limited pet visitation in long-term care; however, the integration of robotic pets may offer alternative solutions. This study explored the behavioral outcomes of a robotic cat after participation in simulated pet care activities for participants with dementia. Positive behavioral observations during robotic cat exposures, as compared with cat videos, were significant. No changes in agitation symptoms of dementia were observed after eight sessions. Primary Author and Speaker: Sara Benham Additional Authors and Speakers: Alexandra Brincka, Taylor Heffner, Kayla Krasinsky, Crystal Nguyen Contributing Authors: Alice Donlan

The Usability and Impact of a Low-Cost Pet Robot for Older Adults and People With Dementia: Qualitative Content Analysis of User Experiences and Perceptions on Consumer Websites.

BackgroundWorldwide, populations are aging exponentially. Older adults and people with dementia are especially at risk of social isolation and loneliness. Social robots, including robotic pets, have had positive impacts on older adults and people with dementia by providing companionship, improving mood, reducing agitation, and facilitating social interaction. Nevertheless, the issue of affordability can hinder technology access. The Joy for All (JfA) robotic pets have showed promise as examples of low-cost alternatives. However, there has been no research that investigated the usability and impact of such low-cost robotic pets based on perceptions and experiences of its use with older adults and people with dementia.ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to explore the usability and impact of the JfA robotic cat, as an example of a low-cost robot, based on perceptions and experiences of using the JfA cat for older adults and people with dementia.MethodsWe used a novel methodology of analyzing a large volume of information that was uploaded by reviewers of the JfA cat onto online consumer review sites. Data were collected from 15 consumer websites. This provided a total of 2445 reviews. Next, all reviews were screened. A total of 1327 reviews that contained information about use of the JfA cat for older adults or people with dementia were included for analysis. These were reviews that contained terms relating to “older adults,” “dementia,” and “institutional care” and were published in the English language. Descriptive statistics was used to characterize available demographic information, and textual data were qualitatively analyzed using inductive content analysis.ResultsMost reviews were derived from consumer sites in the United States, and most reviewers were family members of users (ie, older adults and people with dementia). Based on the qualitative content analysis, 5 key themes were generated: prior expectations, perceptions, meaningful activities, impacts, and practicalities. Reviewers had prior expectations of the JfA cat, which included circumstantial reasons that prompted them to purchase this technology. Their perceptions evolved after using the technology, where most reported positive perceptions about their appearance and interactivity. The use of the robot provided opportunities for users to care for it and incorporate it into their routine. Finally, reviewers also shared information about the impacts of device and practicalities related to its use.ConclusionsThis study provides useful knowledge about the usability and impact of a low-cost pet robot, based on experiences and perceptions of its use. These findings can help researchers, robot developers, and clinicians understand the viability of using low-cost robotic pets to benefit older adults and people with dementia. Future research should consider evaluating design preferences for robotic pets, and compare the effects of low-cost robotic pets with other more technologically advanced robotic pets.

Introducing Social Robots in Swedish Dementia Care: Exploring the Interaction between Care Workers, Residents, and Robotic Cats.

Introducing Social Robots in Swedish Dementia Care: Exploring the Interaction between Care Workers, Residents, and Robotic Cats. Marcus Persson Abstract Social robots are discussed as a solution to new societal challenges connected to the ageing population and increasingly demanding care apparatus. Previous research about social robots in health care has been criticized for being either technophobic or technophilic: overly optimistic concerning the possibility of new technology, or pessimistic about the risk that robotization of care will entail a dehumanization of patients. Contributing with a social perspective to the research about the use of social robots in care settings, the article explores the interaction between care workers, residents, and robotic cats in dementia care facilities. The research design consists of a mixed-methods approach: Qualitative interviews with care workers and quantitative observations of residents’ response to the robot. The findings from the interviews and observations indicate a connection between the performative role of the care workers and the response of the residents when using the robotic cat. From the perspective of symbolic interactionism, the findings are discussed in relation to meaning- making practices of care workers and how they construct the interaction with the residents in new ways, using the social robot as either tools or substitutes for interpersonal contact. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jssw.v8n1a1

A Cloud-based Quadruped Service Robot with Multi-Scene Adaptability and various forms of Human-Robot Interaction

Abstract With the development of CPS technology, more robots are endowed with intelligence to interact and communicate with humans such as service robot AIBO and AMWELL. These intelligent pets show great human-machine interactive ability by voice and face recognition, storytelling. However, they are limited only in family scenes and fail to provide cross-scene services. Therefore, we design a quadruped service robot called Cloud Sphinx - whose motion, voice, and vision system are driven by artificial intelligent models in the cloud. Our work pushes the interaction between CPS and humans. First, an open-source 12-DoF robotic cat is rapidly prototyped with a 3D printing technique, and its versatile gestures and gaits are coordinated by advanced servo control algorithms. Second, by merging motion control, NLP, image processing deep learning and cloud computing, Cloud Sphinx can provide services as emotion classification, face recognition, and garbage classification through human-robot interaction models. Third, an RaaS (Robot as a service) architecture is developed to fulfill the incrementally learning from the human-robot interaction processes. Sufficient simulations and on-board tests verify the human-robot interaction functionality and cross-scene service performances. Applications that we designed show the A.I. performance of service robots can be effectively enhanced by model training during the human-robot interactions and knowledge accumulation in cloud database.

Robotic affective abilities

Within both popular media and (some) scientific contexts, affective and ‘emotional’ machines are assumed to already exist. The aim of this paper is to draw attention to some of the key conceptual and theoretical issues raised by the ostensible affectivity. My investigation starts with three robotic encounters: a robot arm, the first (according to media) ‘emotional’ robot, Pepper, and Mako, a robotic cat. To make sense of affectivity in these encounters, I discuss emotion theoretical implications for affectivity in human-machine-interaction. Which theories have been implemented in the creation of the encountered robots? Being aware that in any given robot, there is no strict implementation of one single emotion theory, I will focus on two commonly used emotion theories: Russell and Mehrabian’s Three-Factor Theory of Emotion (the computational models derived from that theory are known as PAD models) and Ekman’s Basic Emotion Theory. An alternative way to approach affectivity in artificial systems is the Relational Approach of Damiano et al. which emphasizes human-robot-interaction in social robotics. In considering this alternative I also raise questions about the possibility of affectivity in robot-robot-relations.

Use of a Robotic Cat to Treat Terminal Restlessness: A Case Study.

Terminal restlessness and delirium are common clinical issues faced by patients at the end of life. For many providers, recognition and treatment of this condition can be challenging. This becomes increasingly difficult when the dying patient has end-stage Alzheimer's dementia and the patient is manifesting terminal restlessness. Use of both pharmacological and nonpharmacological modalities is often employed for this condition, but the degree of restlessness in this population may not always be readily apparent. In addition, pharmacological therapy, especially antipsychotics, has multiple adverse effects and many nonacute-care hospital facilities may have limitations on its use. Consideration of the use of robotic animal aids has recently been introduced to assist in treating terminal restlessness in this population. This case study describes the effectiveness of using a robotic cat to successfully assist in the treatment of a patient with terminal restlessness.

A Robotic cat in dementia care: A pilot study

The aim of the pilot study was to explore the re­actions of individuals with dementia to an interactive robotic cat and their relatives’ and professional caregivers’ experiences regarding its usabi ...

Using a Robotic Cat in Dementia Care: A Pilot Study.

The current study aimed to explore (a) reactions of individuals with dementia to an interactive robotic cat and their relatives' and professional caregivers' experiences, and (b) to measure usability in developing the care/treatment of individuals with dementia using interactive robotic pets. An intervention design in a pilot study using mixed methods was conducted in two stages: a quantitative single-case study (n = 4) and a qualitative interview study (n = 14). Results indicated less agitated behavior and better quality of life for individuals with dementia. Interviews showed positive effects by providing increased interaction, communication, stimulation, relaxation, peace, and comfort to individuals with dementia. The tested interactive robotic cat was also considered easy to use. There is an increased need for alternative/complementary forms of care to meet an increasing number of individuals with dementia. For some individuals with dementia, an interactive robot, such as a robotic cat, can increase well-being and quality of life.

Understanding of Falling Cat Phenomenon and Realization by Robot

<div class=""abs_img""><img src=""[disp_template_path]/JRM/abst-image/00260006/02.jpg"" width=""250"" /> Cat-turn by cat and robotic cat</div> The movement of live cat righting itself in midair, is investigated analytically and experimentally. The objective of the author is to develop a robot that lands upright on its feet like a cat. Interestingly, explanations in physics and dynamics textbooks that dealing with feline the self-righting remain contradictory and ambiguous. This is analyzed based on the law of conservation of angular momentum using a cat model. A robotic cat was then developed to turn in mid air. The robot righted itself completely after performing a 180° turn in the air. </span>

Does This Robot Make Me Look Smart? How the Addition of a Robotic Pet Influences First Impressions

The current study examined whether the addition of either a robotic cat or a robotic dog to the picture of a male or female model, could affect the participants first impressions of the model. The participants were directed to a website and randomly assigned to a picture. Next, they answered a survey related to their perceptions of the model. Individual differences including participant gender, entity type, and response on robot attitudes scale were found. The results indicate that the items around or with us can be particularly important in public and social settings where first impressions can be the only ones a person gets to make.

Free Form Verbal Communication toward Robotic Entities vs. Live Entities

This study was designed to examine natural free form communication that exists when a person interacts with robots versus live entities. Participants interacted with one of four entities: an AIBO robotic dog, Legobot, dog or cat. The amount of words spoken by the participant while interacting with the entity was recorded and coded for word count, average word length, number of questions and number of commands. It was found that participants spoke to the AIBO similarly to how they spoke to the cat and they did not speak to the AIBO as they spoke to the dog. This suggests that when speaking to an entity people are not distinguishing between organic and inorganic, and that when a robotic entity resembles a dog, it does not mean that people will behave toward it as they would toward a real dog.

Person-robot interactions from the robopsychologists' point of view: the robotic psychology and robotherapy approach

Recent research shows that people perceive and treat robots not just as machines, but also as their companions or artificial partners. Person-robot communication, viewed as a complex interactive system (CIS), is based upon three basic principles: interactivity, equifinality, and multimodality. Classification of artificial creatures from the robopsychologist's point of view divides them into two major groups: assisting robots, which are oriented toward industrial, military, research, medical, and service activities, and interactive stimulation robots, which are designed for social, educational, rehabilitation, therapeutic, and entertainment purposes. The latter class is considered the primary subject for the robotic psychology and robotherapy, approaches that have been developed by the authors. These new fields consist of a concept that places the relationships between humans and robots into a psychological, rather than technological, context. Conceptual and experimental results of implementing the robotic psychology and robotherapy concept into the study of human-robot interactions concern basic operational definitions, theoretical framework, and the design of a unified assessment tool named the Person-Robot Complex Interactive Scale (PRCIS). A study with a robotic cat provides the first results of cross-cultural analysis of person-robot communication, as well as findings on the robot's use by children, young and older adults, and elderly persons with dementia.

Posture Detection and Landing Control of Robot Thrown in Midair

In the previous papers, the authors investigated a robotic cat which could restore its attitude during free fall by twisting and controlling its body. The principle of the twisting motion was then elucidated: the robotic cat could rotate its body by 180 degrees turn within 0.6 seconds when released from an upside-down position. In this paper, 3D midair attitude detection and landing control of a newly developed robot with multi-articulated twin legs were studied. A postural detection method using the Enter angles generated by the 3D attitude angles detected by three rate gyrosensors mounted on the robot was proposed, and a landing control method for the twin legs using 4 pairs of antagonists composed of artificial rubber muscles was described. Experiments conducted with this robot reveal that the attitude of the robot thrown in an arbitrary direction could be detected and the legs could be successfully controlled to turn towards the ground for landing.