  This paper presents the design, development, methodology, and the results of
a pilot study on using an intelligent, emotive and perceptive social robot (aka
Companionbot) for improving the quality of life of elderly people with dementia
and/or depression. Ryan Companionbot prototyped in this project, is a
rear-projected life-like conversational robot. Ryan is equipped with features
that can (1) interpret and respond to users' emotions through facial
expressions and spoken language, (2) proactively engage in conversations with
users, and (3) remind them about their daily life schedules (e.g. taking their
medicine on time). Ryan engages users in cognitive games and reminiscence
activities. We conducted a pilot study with six elderly individuals with
moderate dementia and/or depression living in a senior living facility in
Denver. Each individual had 24/7 access to a Ryan in his/her room for a period
of 4-6 weeks. Our observations of these individuals, interviews with them and
their caregivers, and analyses of their interactions during this period
revealed that they established rapport with the robot and greatly valued and
enjoyed having a Companionbot in their room.

Robotics;Human-Computer Interaction