Robot Seal Offers Comfort in Mental Health Care

A robotic seal named Sammy is currently being piloted in Kent to enhance the experience of mental health outpatient appointments. This innovative tool is being used at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust in an effort to make patients feel more comfortable and engaged with their treatment. The initiative is seen as a way to provide additional, non-pharmacological support.

Costing £6,000, Sammy is designed to respond to touch, sound, and movement, featuring seal-like noises, wiggling flippers, and opening eyes. Experts believe this 'zoomorphic robot therapy' can help build confidence and rapport, allowing patients to communicate more freely, similar to the benefits of pet therapy. It is also being explored for its potential to assist individuals with autism by fostering a sense of connection and improving their engagement with psychotherapy, addressing known communicational difficulties.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Sharna Bennett highlighted the potential for significant patient benefits, especially for those often underserved by research. She noted that Sammy offers a gentle, person-centred method to help individuals feel more settled, allowing clinicians to better focus on patient needs. The trust views Sammy as a valuable assistive technology for providing better treatment options and improving care accessibility.