Robocats can help people with dementia
Researchers at Wrexham Glyndwr University in Wales have given ten dementia sufferers robotic cats to see if they can enhance their sense of wellbeing. Manufactured by a US toy maker, the "robocats" have realistic fur, and can roll over and purr in response to petting and stroking. The researchers have found that dementia sufferers, especially those who've had pets in the past, readily formed emotional bonds with the artificial companions.
Robotic cats are being used to improve the wellbeing of people living with dementia.

Researchers at Wrexham Glyndwr University have joined forces with a US toy maker to conduct research into how robotic companion pets can have a positive impact on people living with the condition.

Ten of the 'robocats' will be given to people living at home or in sheltered accommodation in the north east of Wales, with researchers visiting them over six months.

They say that for people who cannot care for a real pet, the robot cats are an alternative that can last forever and don't need feeding and cleaning.

Gwladys was given one of the pets to care for. She passed away last month aged 94 after a battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Credit: Wrexham Glyndwr University

They are designed to bring comfort, companionship and fun to elder loved ones. They have realistic fur and make pet like noises, as well as having sensors that mean they respond to petting and hugs. They also purr and roll over.

One of the researchers involved in the project, Dr Joanne Pike, a nursing lecturer, witnessed this when her own mum, Gwladys, was given one of the pets to care for.

I remember how mum would brighten up and her eyes sparkle when she talked to it. She loved cats as we used to have them when she was younger, so she was familiar with them. The robotic companion had an identity, it reminded her of the past and made her smile. Towards her later days, even if she didn't talk to us she would be talking to the cat and stroking it. Mum felt comfort in that, it made her come alive. Dr Joanne Pike, Wrexham Glyndwr University

The robotic cats were built and sold as toys initially, until the company began to explore benefits they could make to the health industry.

Researcher Professor Rich Picking, a computing lecturer, says the study of robotic companion pets, which he calls 'companotics', could influence the future development of the product, and research into dementia.