Takanori Shibata

Person-Centered Care Using a Therapeutic Robot

PARO, a therapeutic robot, supports the practice of "Person-Centered Care," an approach that places the individual at the heart of care. Rather than focusing solely on diseases or disabilities, Person-Centered Care is a philosophy that respects each person's life history, values, emotions, and dignity, while supporting a lifestyle that is true to the individual. Modeled after an adorable harp seal, PARO pursues artistic quality alongside engineering functionality, possessing an "artistic dimension" that naturally engages human emotions. Its soft fur, gentle expression, and design which conveys a sense of warmth evoke innate human feelings of empathy and attachment, providing a sense of security and comfort. This represents a fusion of the emotional expressive power of art with the interactive technology of an autonomous robot controlled by embodied artificial intelligence. In an aging society, issues such as loneliness among the elderly and people with dementia, BPSD (Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia), delirium, and social isolation present significant challenges. Through continuous interaction with users, PARO encourages smiles, conversation, and reminiscence, thereby contributing to psychological stability and the revitalization of social connections. Particularly in dementia care, it holds promise as a non-pharmacological intervention that does not rely on medication, helping to realize personalized care tailored to each individual's reactions and preferences.