Honda has unveiled a robot designed to provide support and companionship to children undergoing extended hospital stays. Called Haru, the AI-powered robot was introduced at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR) in Seville, Spain.

Developed by Honda Research Institute Japan Co., Ltd. (HRI-JP), Haru was designed to be a social robot that makes people smile through expressive communication and forms empathetic relationships with people. As a compact desk-top robot with a total height of 30cm (12 inches), Haru can be placed on a table to engage in conversations with people.

Biometric Information:

Honda explains that Haru obtains users’ biometric information, such as facial expressions and voice tones, through its built-in camera and microphones. This information is then analyzed to assess the user’s emotional state, enabling Haru to respond with appropriate empathy and emotional support.

Moreover, Haru can also be linked to a wristwatch-type wearable sensor worn by the user, allowing for even more detailed analysis of the user’s conditions, according to the company.

Honda maintains that as a robot, Haru does not have any human attributes, such as gender, race, or nationality, and is always capable of communicating from a neutral perspective. It enables the robot to effectively facilitate communication beyond generational and cultural differences, especially in group communication.

Uses:

HUVR has integrated Haru into its initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of children undergoing long-term cancer treatment. Using AI technology, Haru communicates with children and assists neuropsychologists in conducting emotional and cognitive assessments.

Due to the amount of time the assessment takes, there is a limit to the number of assessments the neuropsychologists can conduct each year: the number had been limited to 510 per year, including follow-up consultations until now. With the introduction of Haru, the number of assessments the hospital can conduct each year is expected to increase to as many as 4,500, according to a press release.

The company maintains that Haru has been supporting intellectual and physical rehabilitation programs provided to young patients at the hospital. Haru learns the rehabilitation programs and can guide the children through the process while engaging them in conversation. The demonstration experiment showed that 95% of children were more actively engaged in rehabilitation while receiving guidance from Haru, compared to conventional human guides.

“We have been conducting joint research with HRI-JP for several years now, and gained wonderful results. We have identified that Haru holds great potential in bringing happiness to children,” said Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville (HUVR) in a statement.

Typically, technologies used in hospitals focus on medical treatments or physical well-being. However, Haru demonstrates a unique ability to positively influence the psychological well-being of our young patients, contributing to a more positive atmosphere throughout the hospital.

“The support that Haru provides, enabling children under hospital care to feel more happiness and connection with others, is unique only to Haru and offers valuable benefits not found in traditional medical care. We believe that Haru is a groundbreaking presence that creates an environment where young patients can enjoy their time here at our hospital,” added HUVR in a statement.

Citations:

Mishra, Prabhat Ranjan. “Honda robot talks to people with expressions, speeds up tasks by 900%.” Interesting Engineering, 30 November 2024, https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/hondas-robot-haru-communicates-with-people. Accessed 1 December 2024.