Days after Meagan Brazil-Sheehan’s 6-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia, their encounter with Robin the Robot at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center turned a daunting experience into a moment of joy. The AI-driven robot, designed to provide emotional support to children, is now a familiar presence in pediatric units across various states.
Robin, programmed to engage like a playful child, assists overworked medical staff in forming connections with young patients, lightening the emotional load in challenging healthcare environments.
Nurses and medical staff are really overworked, under a lot of pressure, and unfortunately, a lot of times they don’t have capacity to provide engagement and connection to patients,” stated Karen Khachikyan, the CEO of Expper Technologies, which developed Robin.
Bringing Joy and Companionship
On one occasion at HealthBridge Children’s Hospital in California, Robin was able to lift the spirits of a teen injured in an accident by playing his favorite song, showcasing its dual role as a companion and entertainer. Speech language pathologist Samantha da Silva remarked, She brings joy to everyone. She walks down the halls, and everyone loves to chat with her, say hello. Robin mirrors patients' emotions, providing comfort during tough emotional moments.
Expanding its Role in Care
As the U.S. grapples with a looming physician shortage, Robin’s vision extends beyond emotional engagement. Plans include integrating vital monitoring capabilities for better health management. Khachikyan emphasizes that Robin is not meant to replace healthcare workers but to act as an essential support system amidst growing demands.
As AI continues to evolve in healthcare, Robin stands out as a beacon of hope, transforming patient experiences while ensuring no child has to face their medical challenges alone.
Our goal is to design the next evolution of Robin; that Robin will take more and more responsibilities and become an even more essential part of care delivery,” Khachikyan explained.
