The World's Most Therapeutic Robot (Guinness '02)

It’s pretty cute (via Pink Tentacle):

Paro has been in development by AIST since 1993. It is recognized as “the world’s most theraputic robot” by the Guiness Book of World Records. It features learning functions, can remember names, will learn actions by being petted, and will do these actions frequently. (from Tech Japan)

Sounds like this thing works:

Elderly subjects with cognition disorders were asked to interact with Paro. The subjects’ brain waves were measured before and after the interaction for analysis. Out of the 14 people who participated in the study, 7 (50%) experienced an improvement in brain function. Studies in the past have shown that robot therapy involving Paro in domestic and international facilities for the elderly produces expressions and behavior in the patients that is similar to those in healthy people. Interaction with Paro improves brain function in elderly patients with cognition disorders and helps prevent the development of such disorders in healthy people. Furthermore, subjects who expressed a positive attitude towards Paro were found to show a greater response to the therapy.

Here is Paro working the crowd (links directly to downloadable wmv):

Interaction at Nursing home (2003-2004)