Robotic baby seal boosts mood in hospitalized kids
NCT ID NCT05275543
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a robotic baby harp seal could help children aged 5-18 feel less anxious and more motivated during physical or occupational therapy in the hospital. Twenty-five kids used the robot during their sessions, and researchers measured their pain, anxiety, and satisfaction. The goal was to see if the robot was a practical and acceptable way to bring the benefits of animal therapy to kids who cannot have a live animal.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Paro robot (a robotic baby harp seal)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a safe, animal-free way to comfort children during hospital rehab and make therapy more enjoyable.
What could go wrong
This was a very small, early feasibility study with only 25 children, so results may not apply to all kids. The robot is not a medical device and does not treat the underlying disease.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Children's Hosptial and Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska, 68114, United States