Robots to be used in UK care homes to help reduce loneliness

Robots called Pepper that can hold conversations and learn people’s interests will be deployed in some UK care homes after an international trial found they can help reduce anxiety and loneliness.

The robot was tested in care homes in the UK and researchers found adults who used the robot for up to 18 hours across two weeks saw a significant improvement in their mental health

The study by the University of Bedfordshire, Middlesex University and Advinia Health Care found that there was a small but positive impact on people’s feelings of loneliness. Researchers claim that they would not replace human carers but help to fill the lonely periods