Android Robot System to Support Medical and Welfare Fields

Abstract

In this paper, we report an android robot system to support medical and welfare fields with communication. An android constituting this system is very similar to a real female and can exhibit various facial expressions such as smile, anger and surprise. Since the android controlled by pneumatic actuators are light, compact and noiseless, it is easy to introduce it into medical and welfare fields. The system has various operation methods. For example, the android can mimic the head and facial motions of a target person captured by a camera. Using this system, we examined impressions about the android in a medical examination room as a bystander at a pain clinic. During the medical examination, the android nodded and smiled at patients synchronously. As a result, it was revealed that about 33% of 70 patients preferred the presence of the android. Patients over 65 years old had more positive impressions compared to patients under 65. In addition, it is suggested that the presence of the android gave effects to form good impressions about the doctor. These results show the potentiality of the android in the medical examination room.