This is not a stuffed animal. It's not a toy. In fact, it's what researchers hope will prove to be a useful tool in helping victims of abuse and post traumatic stress disorder find relief.
Known as Therabot, this adorable robotic beagle is currently being developed at Mississippi State University's Social, Therapeutic, & Robotic Systems (STaRS) Lab, under the guidance of director Dr. Cindy Bethel. Its ultimate goal? To bridge the gap between two types of effective therapy: using real animals and their plush counterparts for emotional assistance.
Still experimental, but with a number of interesting ideas under considering. Also, take a look at the other shapes that the researches considered for Therabot before deciding on the beagle.
(Score: 1, Troll) by Gravis on Friday August 14 2015, @05:55PM
I'm screwed up, somehow.
we know, your posts are public after all.