Purrrfect for Therapy
From: Servo Magazine - 05/2015 - page 24

JustoCat is a robotic therapy cat developed and scientifically evaluated in
cooperation between robotics researchers and health care researchers at
Malardalen University in Sweden. JustoCat has been developed and tested in
consultation with patients / users and professional caregivers in Swedish
dementia care. The product creators have assumed that many people have
memories of spending time with cats and linked this to the reminiscence
method - to use memories from the past.

The functions of JustoCat make it resemble a live cat. It breathes, purrs,
and meows. One advantage with the cat’s fur is that it is washable and
removable - thus, it can meet hygiene requirements in an institution.
JustoCat can provide peace, be soothing, and be a tool for increased
interaction and communication. It is a complement in the care of people with
dementia and in the care of people with intellectual disabilities. Tests and
research demonstrates positive results from the users, as well as from
caregivers.

The goal of JustoCat is to enrich the daily lives of people with dementia. It
can provide increased psychological, physical, and social well-being, says
Lars Asplund, creator of JustoCat. A preliminary study made by researcher,
Marcus Persson at Malardalen University also shows the positive impact of the
psychosocial work environment for health care personnel. JustoCat is now
available on the European market, both for sale and through leasing via the
company Robyn Robotics AB, operated by the two innovators/researchers at
Malardalen University - Asplund and Christine Gustafsson. Several units have
already been sold to a number of health and social care operators in Sweden
and Europe.

Robotdalen participated in and contributed to the development of JustoCat.

Links:
Robot cat created to help dementia patients
http://med.news.am/eng/news/5201/robot-cat-created-to-help-dementia-patients.html

JustoCat
http://www.justocat.com/

Robotdalen
http://www.robotdalen.se/en

Marcus Persson

Robyn Robotics
http://www.robynrobotics.se/