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SOCIAL COMPANION ROBOTS

FINDINGS FROM A PILOT STUDY WITH ENCHANTED TOOLS

A NEW APPROACH TO BUILDING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

Social connection is vital for older adults, particularly in senior living communities. Surprisingly, robots have emerged as a solution to enhance these connections. Designed to interact through speech, movement, and programmed behaviors, robots aim to support engagement, stimulation, and companionship.

To explore the impact robots can have, Mather Institute conducted a one-week pilot study in a Life Plan Community, examining how a social companion robot named Miroka could function in a senior living community and affect both staff and residents. 

One Participant of the Pilot Study Shared: 

“I never expected to feel so connected with a robot."

MEET MIROKA

The social companion robot used in this study is called Miroka and was developed by Enchanted Tools. During the study, we assessed Miroka’s ability to engage residents and team members in conversations, build rapport, and conduct programs, all designed to support social connection and cognitive stimulation.

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RESEARCH AUTHOR

Ajla Basic, PhD
Senior Project Manager

Since joining the Institute, Dr. Basic has supported the completion of multiple research projects. She was a key team member on the Age Well Study, a five-year longitudinal study of health among Life Plan Community residents. In addition, she manages the submissions for our two annual awards programs.

Dr. Basic earned her PhD in Applied Social Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. Her recent published work includes Nourish To Flourish: Enhancing Older Adults' Well-Being Through Mindful Eating and Mediterranean Delights.

 

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