The Hyodol is a smart robot from South Korea, specially made for elderly people with dementia. The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Vilans, a knowledge organization for care and support, have investigated the possibilities of Hyodol in Dutch elderly care. They did this by having conversations with healthcare workers and the elderly in focus groups. The research showed that the Hyodol can be used well for clients outside a healthcare institution. The expected positive effects turned out to be true: it increases the client's independence and reduces loneliness. But the Hyodol also seems to have many options for clients within a healthcare institution and in care for the disabled.

Bob Hofstede, a researcher at Vilans, says: 'We came across the Hyodol in South Korea. It is a social buddy who helps with the daily schedule and also collects data via sensors. Through a dashboard and a smartphone app, caregivers, family members and informal caregivers can see how the robot is used, send messages and personalize settings. The robot can respond to touch, speak sweet sentences, provide support for a healthy life, provide information to the elderly, play recorded messages and stimulate thinking skills.'

Lots of enthusiasm

Hofstede talks about the exploration: 'Many healthcare institutions wanted to participate. We have collected a lot of information in conversations with clients and care workers. Clients liked the robot and immediately started interacting with it. They saw the robot as a buddy that could talk and sing with them. According to elderly people, the robot can also be used for comfort, reassurance and against loneliness.'

Most healthcare workers who participated in the exploration were also enthusiastic. 'The clothes, colors and size were well received. The robot is soft, making it easy to cuddle, but questions were also asked about hygiene. Some healthcare workers thought the robot looked childish, which may mean it cannot be used with every client.'

Opportunities for use

At first glance, healthcare workers in elderly care see opportunities for using the robot within and outside healthcare institutions (extramural and intramural). There is also a lot of enthusiasm in disability care.

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Download Here are the results of the exploration.

Digital Care Knowledge Base

Robotic animals and other experience-oriented technologies have recently been added to the Digital Care Knowledge Base from Vilans. This knowledge base is a central platform for sharing independent information about different types of healthcare technology. Attention is paid to the hard and soft costs, the benefits and who benefits from them.