The 'Therabot' Provides Therapy for PTSD Patients
Christopher Magsambol — August 16, 2015 — Tech
References: dl.acm.org & wired
The 'Therabot' will be a tool used in the future as a substitute for animal assisted therapy. Instead, the Therabot has the positive qualities of a dog, without having to deal with possible allergies or physical threats.
Therabots act like dogs and respond to people's physical cues with nuzzles and sounds. Although they look like a stuffed animal, the Therabot is equipped with immense technological capabilities. Its movement resembles a dog and can move its head, body and joints. Fur is replaced with conductive fabric, which cues the Therabot on how to respond to certain types of touch.
Dr. Cindy Bethel, who is behind the project, hopes that the Therabot will be a less expensive alternative compared to actual animal assisted therapy. The Therabot prototype has been created, but is still undergoing research and changes. Bethel hopes that the Therabot will be just one element of a bigger treatment plan for PTSD patients and survivors of abuse.
Therabots act like dogs and respond to people's physical cues with nuzzles and sounds. Although they look like a stuffed animal, the Therabot is equipped with immense technological capabilities. Its movement resembles a dog and can move its head, body and joints. Fur is replaced with conductive fabric, which cues the Therabot on how to respond to certain types of touch.
Dr. Cindy Bethel, who is behind the project, hopes that the Therabot will be a less expensive alternative compared to actual animal assisted therapy. The Therabot prototype has been created, but is still undergoing research and changes. Bethel hopes that the Therabot will be just one element of a bigger treatment plan for PTSD patients and survivors of abuse.
Trend Themes
1. Robotic Therapy Assistants - The growing trend of using robots as therapy assistants for PTSD patients and survivors of abuse presents opportunities for developing and advancing new types of robotic technologies.
2. Animal-free Therapies - The trend towards animal-free therapies is disrupting the traditional animal-assisted therapy industry and providing opportunities for technological innovation and development.
3. Conductive Fabric Technology Advancements - The trend towards conductive fabric technology is propelling the development of robotic technologies, such as the Therabot, that utilize this technology for sensory recognition and response.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare Industry - The healthcare industry can utilize the Therabot as an innovative and cost-effective tool for assisting PTSD patients and survivors of abuse.
2. Robotics Industry - The development of robotic therapy assistants like the Therabot provides opportunities for the robotics industry to advance and expand in the healthcare sector.
3. Textile Industry - The use of conductive fabric technology in the Therabot is disrupting the traditional textiles industry and creating opportunities for technological advancements and new applications for conductive fabrics in other industries.
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