PARO STUDIES

Work by Elizabeth Broadbent, Hayley Robinson, Amy Liang, Isabell Piroth, Ngaire Kerse, Mark Fisher, Bruce MacDonald.

Paro is a companion robot made in Japan by Takanori Shibata.  We have conducted several studies on its benefits for older people.  As a result of our studies Selwyn Village Retirement Centres have purchased several Paro for use with their residents.

Journal Publications

  • Liang, A., Piroth, I., Robinson, H., MacDonald, B., Fisher, M., Nater, U., Skoluda, N., Broadbent, E. (2017) A Pilot Randomized Trial of a Companion Robot for People with Dementia Living in the Community. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, Article in Press, 1-8.
  • Robinson, H., MacDonald, B., Broadbent, E. (2016) Group sessions with Paro in a nursing home: Structure, observations, and interviews. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 35, 106-12. DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12199
  • Robinson, H., MacDonald, B., Broadbent, E. (2015). Physiological effects of a companion robot on blood pressure of older people in residential care facility: A pilot study. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 34, 27-32.
  • Robinson, H., MacDonald, B., Kerse, N., Broadbent, E., (2013). Ask the expert. Beyond science fiction: The practical applications of robotics in healthcare. Annals of Long Term Care, 34-35. http://www.annalsoflongtermcare.com/content/beyond-science-fiction-robotics-healthcare
  • Robinson, H., MacDonald, B.A., Kerse, N., Broadbent, E. (2013). The psychosocial effects of a companion robot: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 14, 661-7.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2013.02.007
  • Robinson, H., MacDonald, B.A., Kerse, N., Broadbent, E. (2013). Suitability of healthcare robots for a dementia unit and suggested improvements. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.14, 34-40. DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2012.09.006

Media