Hondain collaboration with the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville, has developed a one-of-a-kind robot: Harua AI-based assistant designed for support children emotionally undergoing long-term treatment.
This small table robot, just 30 cm tall, is the result of three years of work by the Honda Research Institute Japan (HRI-JP). Its mission is clear: to transform the hospital experience into a less lonely moment and more stimulating for young patients.
Haru is equipped with cameras, microphones and sensors capable of analyze facial expressions, tone of voice and other biometric data of the children he interacts with. These elements allow him to recognize and respond to emotions, creating an empathetic bond with the young patients. Connected to a sensory bracelet, the robot can monitor the health status of children in real time and adapt its interactions accordingly.
Haru’s design was inspired by cartoon characters, making it particularly appealing to little ones. Thanks to his ability to move, lean and even express emotions through personalized movements and sounds, Haru is able to communicate in a natural and engaging way, fostering meaningful empathic connections.
The results are incredible
Since its introduction in 2021, Haru has achieved impressive results. 95% of children in long-term care showed increased involvement in rehabilitation programs, improving their adherence to care. Furthermore, the robot allowed neuropsychologists to carry out significantly more emotional assessments, going from 510 to 4,500 per year.
Haru isn’t limited to emotional support: the robot connects young patients to their schools, allowing them to follow lessons remotely and maintain a connection with classmates. Furthermore, thanks to his cultural neutrality, Haru can interact with groups of children in an inclusive way, breaking down cultural and generational barriers.
Thanks to the success achieved, the Spanish hospital has decided to expand the use of Haru, predicting the introduction of another ten units by 2027. This project represents not only a step forward in assistive technology, but also a revolution in the approach to pediatric care, setting the emotional well-being of children at the center of innovation.
