❺Therapy Robots

A Presence That Invites Interaction—and Brings Calm to the Heart

Therapy robots (also known as communication robots) are designed to respond to gentle touch or conversation, creating emotional connections rather than focusing on functional tasks. For people living with dementia, these robots are especially helpful in moments where comfort, companionship, and a sense of emotional security matter more than specific functions. By simply being there—responding to a voice or a gentle stroke—they offer a soothing presence that can ease anxiety and promote emotional well-being.

Paro – The Therapeutic Seal Robot

Paro is an internationally recognized therapeutic robot developed and manufactured by Intelligent System Co., Ltd. Designed to resemble a fluffy baby harp seal, Paro responds to human voices and touch by moving its eyes, making sounds, and behaving like a real animal—bringing comfort and emotional connection to those who interact with it.

In dementia care, Paro is especially valued for its ability to enable nonverbal communication with individuals who may have difficulty engaging in conversation. When spoken to or gently touched, Paro responds in a lifelike way, helping to reduce anxiety, calm agitation, promote emotional stability, and encourage interaction. Its positive effects have been widely reported, and it has been introduced in care facilities and hospitals both in Japan and internationally.

Paro is simple to use—just turn it on—and requires no technical expertise, making it an accessible, non-pharmacological tool for enhancing the well-being of people living with dementia.

BOCCO emo

BOCCO emo is a communication robot developed by Yukai Engineering Inc. that expresses emotions through voice, movement, and facial expressions while supporting communication between older adults and their family members from a distance. Using a dedicated smartphone app, family members can send voice messages to BOCCO emo, and the robot can record and reply with audio messages—making natural, two-way communication possible even without face-to-face interaction.

In dementia care, BOCCO emo helps prevent social isolation and provides emotional reassurance for older adults. Its friendly appearance and gentle movements make it easy to approach, encouraging users to talk to it naturally. This can help caregivers notice small changes or signs of discomfort early on. When connected with IoT devices like door sensors or temperature/humidity monitors, it can also support daily life monitoring and send alerts when irregularities are detected.

BOCCO emo is easy to set up with an internet connection and is available as a rental service, making it highly accessible for home care environments. As a “robot you want to talk to,” it offers a warm, human-centered approach to caregiving—fostering emotional connection and a sense of safety through technology.