- It is being tested in Luton and Milton Keynes by the Department of Health.
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Pensioners will be given robot animals to keep them company as part of a £1million government project to tackle loneliness, stress and anxiety among older people.
The “robots” look like stuffed animals but are equipped with motors to allow them to move their heads or wag their tails.
It’s part of a program being trialled by the Department of Health to help with communication after a stroke, as well as dementia and learning difficulties.
A trial involving 1,300 people will take place in Milton Keynes, Luton and parts of Bedfordshire.
The funding will also be used to develop AI facial scanners to recognize when someone is in pain.
Social Affairs Minister Helen Whately said “technology will play an increasingly important role in social care” in the years to come. Pictured: Mrs Whately leaving 10 Downing Street last year
Studies have shown that AI-controlled robotic animals can alleviate loneliness among older people. Pictured: Robot puppy used to comfort dementia patients
A source said The sun that the use of “affordable” robot animals could improve the mental health of people living in care homes and people with dementia.
Social Care Minister Helen Whately told the publication: “As the care needs of our population increase, technology will play an increasingly important role in social care. »
Studies have shown that robotic animals controlled by artificial intelligence can alleviate loneliness in older adults, according to Ageless Innovation.
In one study, scientists gave robot cats and dogs to 20 participants who said they felt lonely. The robots were equipped with sensors that allowed them to emit noises recorded from real animals – such as cats purring – when they were petted.
The volunteers were psychologically evaluated at the start of the experiment, after 30 days and finally after 60 days.
Those who spent the most time caring for their robot reported the highest levels of well-being.
In another study, those who kept the robot pets found that their loneliness decreased, while their well-being, resilience, and purpose in life improved.