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.
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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
Locations
-
Children's Hosptial and Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska, 68114, United States
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