An estimated 97% of dementia sufferers experience behavioral and psychological symptoms of the disease (BPSD). Such symptoms, according to studies, can be reduced if the individuals form an emotional bond, especially to an object or animal. Tombot Robotics has now created a realistic robotic dog that can provide seniors with a stronger sense of control, connectedness, and purpose, ultimately reducing their symptoms.
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After conducting multiple testing with groups comprising of up to 700 individuals with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, researchers at Tombot concluded that a robotic animal with a hyper-realistic appearance, feel and behaviors can greatly elicit an emotional attachment with seniors suffering from these types of neurodegenerative diseases.
Tombot decided to invent a whole new type of robotthat would give the seniors a feel of a real pet. So, they turned to Jim Henson's world-renowned Creature Shop to provide the artistic design services for their robots.
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“Drawing upon their Academy Award-winning animatronics skills, Jim Henson's Creature Shop wonderfully captured Tombot's vision, creating a Labrador puppy fit for the big screen. The Tombot robotics team then brought the puppy to life, with a full suite of sensors and inventing software control systems to make the puppy both autonomous and fully interactive,” saysa press release.
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“Virtually all of Tombot's investors have (or had) loved ones with dementia. Through these interactions, we have come to appreciate that the benefits we are delivering aren't just for seniors with dementia, but also for those most responsible for their ongoing care and well-being,” said Tombot CEO Tom Stevens.
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Some of the Distinguishing features of the New Tombot Puppy
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Realistic
Appearance. A user-friendly design that is authentic to a real dog's
anatomy. Tombot Puppies look, feel and move in a hyper-realistic way, far
exceeding anything currently available in the animal robotics space.
·
Lifelike
Expressions & Behavior. Software control system that allows the robot
to respond to users in a manner consistent with how a real dog would respond.
·
Response
to Voice Commands. Voice recognition system that listens to commands and
responds accordingly.
·
Affordability.
Roughly one-fifteenth the price of the Paro robot, the next best robot in the
dementia space.
·
Easy
Charging. Provides all-day battery life with a cord that plugs in for
overnight charging.
