Robot buddy tested to combat loneliness in seniors

NCT ID NCT06487611

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a humanoid robot named HUMANE could help older adults living at home feel less lonely and more connected. Sixty people aged 50 and older used the robot for 6 weeks, interacting with it through music, news, games, and conversation. Researchers measured loneliness, memory, mood, and confidence before and after the trial to see if the robot made a difference.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: humanoid social robot (HUMANE)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, home-based tool to help older adults feel less lonely and more engaged without needing a caregiver.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early pilot study with only 60 participants. The robot may not be easy for everyone to use, and any benefits might not apply to all older adults.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cognitive Dysfunction Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT DEPRESSION LONELINESS SELF EFFICACY SENSE OF COHERENCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.