Robin the Therapeutic Robot—AI Fights Fear and Loneliness in Hospitals
Robin is an artificial intelligence-powered therapeutic robot that is making waves in pediatric units and nursing homes across the United States. Designed by Expper Technologies to behave like a 7-year-old girl, Robin offers emotional support to young patients—combating isolation, fear, and loneliness at a time when children and nurses often face overwhelming stress. Its friendly appearance and animated character make it approachable, while its ability to remember individual patients and recall past interactions fosters trust and companionship. For example, children have responded with joy when Robin greets them by name, creating moments of comfort during hospital stays.
The robot’s interactions aren’t just playful; they are also purposeful. Robin helps explain hospital procedures through cartoons and interactive demonstrations, making treatments like IV insertions or blood tests less intimidating. Hospital staff report that Robin’s peer-like guidance encourages children to cooperate with medical protocols, while reducing anxiety and pain. In practice, Robin visits children regularly, plays games, shares jokes, and responds naturally to patient moods—drawing on advanced AI that evaluates facial expressions and conversational cues. These encounters have led to documented improvements in children’s appetite, mood, and willingness to participate in therapies and physical activities.
Robin’s growing presence—now in over 30 facilities across California, Massachusetts, New York, and Indiana—is also filling gaps left by staffing shortages. Rather than replace healthcare workers, Robin augments care teams by spending time with children, documenting interactions for medical records, and providing round-the-clock emotional engagement. Healthcare professionals note Robin brings joy to both patients and staff, sparking smiles and healthy interactions in hallways and playrooms. User feedback directly shapes Robin’s personality, making her ever more relatable; features like favourite animal jokes and favourite music requests are based on actual patient input.
The creators of Robin envision a future where therapeutic robots play an even larger role—potentially checking vital signs or assisting elderly patients, while always maintaining patient safety and privacy protocols. For now, Robin’s emotional intelligence stands out as a model for human-centred AI in healthcare, proving that robotics can offer comfort, connection, and a sense of friendship in the most challenging settings.
