Canada-UK AI Robot Study

Study title: Using Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Social Robots to Improve Children’s Healthcare Experiences

Study description: Socially assistive robots are increasingly being used to manage pain and distress experienced by children in clinical settings. Our international team of researchers, clinicians, and engineers has developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced social robot that provides personalized support to children during needle-based procedures. The robot system was co-designed with patients and families, and tested for usability. The robot is now being assessed in a multi-centre randomized controlled trial at two Canadian paediatric emergency departments, the Hospital for Sick Children (Ontario) and Stollery Children’s Hospital (Alberta).

The innovative AI-enhanced robot system aims to improve youth and adolescent health interventions in managing pain using next generation technology in real-world clinical settings.