A new social robot has been brought into use by the University Hospital of Brussels. The robot will inform and guide patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. The robot provides a personal approach and can respond to children's emotions.
Counselling for diabetes
In the first instance, the social robots should help children with diabetes in particular. Because children with diabetes often have a hard time understanding the amount of information they receive. They need to be well supported in this, for example in developing their new eating habits.
Pediatrician Inge Gies: "We have two robots available for our patients who come for a consultation or stay here. The robots will not only inform and guide the patients, they can also detect and register glucose values, for example. The robots will use images to explain everything, such as how to handle insulin administration. The children love it, they are not afraid at all."
Children enthusiastic
Amaya is such a young patient with diabetes. Amaya is 9 years old and has type 1 diabetes. "I really like the robot. He gives me information about diabetes. I learn what to do when there are problems with my sugar level. He really helps me."
Broad cooperation
This project was carried out alongside the UZ Brussel: Cronos, QBMT, Medtronic Belgium, Imec, UGent and the VUB.