Robotic Pets for Older Adults

Overseen By Steven M Albert, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh

Disqualifiers: Uncomfortable with robot, Caregiver < 18

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6-8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial investigates whether robotic pets can improve the well-being of older adults and their family caregivers. Participants will receive a Hasbro Joy for All robotic pet either immediately or after a short delay. These robotic cats and dogs interact like real pets, making sounds and moving when engaged. The trial seeks older adults in specific caregiver programs in Allegheny County who have received unpaid family or friend caregiver support for at least six months. Participants should feel comfortable having a robotic pet in their home during the study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance well-being.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the Hasbro Joy for All robot pet companion is safe for older adults?

Research has shown that Hasbro Joy for All robot pets are generally safe and well-received by older adults. Tests in various settings have demonstrated that these robotic companions help reduce feelings of loneliness and calm agitation. Studies have not reported any harmful effects or problems with these robotic pets, indicating their safety for older adults, including those with memory or thinking issues. Designed to be engaging and comforting, the robots interact with people without any known risks. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about robotic pets for older adults because they offer a unique approach to supporting those with cognitive impairments. Unlike traditional treatments that involve medication or human caregivers, these robotic companions provide consistent, non-intrusive interaction and emotional support. The Hasbro Joy for All robotic pets are affordable, life-like, and respond to human engagement with sounds and movements, potentially improving mood and engagement without the side effects of medication. This innovative approach could enhance the quality of life for older adults, offering a new tool for caregivers in managing cognitive decline.

What evidence suggests that the Hasbro Joy for All robot pet companion is effective for improving the wellbeing of older adults?

Research has shown that Hasbro Joy for All robot pets can improve the well-being of older adults. In this trial, participants in the treatment arm will receive these robotic pets immediately, while those in the control arm will receive them after the trial. Studies have found that these robotic pets can reduce feelings of depression and loneliness. Specifically, one study showed significant improvements in both depression and loneliness when people used these pets. The pets also keep users engaged, which can help with mental activity. These findings suggest that the robotic pets positively affect the mood and social interactions of older adults. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Steven M Albert, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults aged 50+ who are receiving unpaid caregiver support from family or friends for at least 6 months. They must be part of specific programs by the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging and able to consent. Caregivers under 18 or those uncomfortable with robotic pets in their home cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Participating in Family Caregiver Support Program or OPTIONS Program administered by Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging

Able to provide verbal informed consent

I have been a caregiver for a family member or friend for at least 6 months without pay.

Exclusion Criteria

I am uncomfortable with having a robot pet companion at home.

My family caregiver is under 18 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants in the treatment arm receive a Hasbro Joy for All robotic pet and engage with it over the trial period

6-8 weeks

Baseline and follow-up assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in mood and engagement with the robotic pet

6-8 weeks

Follow-up interview

Delayed Treatment

Control group participants receive the robotic pet after the trial period

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Hasbro Joy for All robot pet companion

Trial Overview The study is examining if a Hasbro Joy for All robot pet companion can improve the wellbeing of older adults and reduce stress on their caregivers. Participants will interact with these robotic pets to see how it affects social behavior and dementia.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Treatment, Immediate Robot Pet Companion Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a Hasbro Joy for All robotic pet. These are low cost (\< $150), life-like cats and dogs that respond to human interaction by making sounds or turning their head for eye contact. The robot companion pets are designed as supports for older people with cognitive impairment. In this trial, the older person can treat it like a pet or ignore it. Family caregivers will report on engagement with the pet and effects on mood.

Group II: Control, Delayed Robot Pet Companion Active Control 1 Intervention

During the 6-8 week trial, this group will not receive the robot pet companion but will complete baseline and follow-up assessments on teh same schedule as the treatment arm. Participants in this arm will receive the robot pet after the trial.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Pittsburgh

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,820

Recruited

16,360,000+

Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Area Agency on Aging

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

50+

Citations

1. agelessinnovation.com agelessinnovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Joy-for-All_Impact-and-Benefit.pdf

Impact and Benefit Research projects with Joy for All Companion Pets have shown positive results in mitigating behavior issues and potentially improving cognitive abilities in ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8082946/

Impacts of Low-cost Robotic Pets for Older Adults and ... The aim of this review is to synthesize evidence on the delivery and impact of low-cost, familiarly and realistically designed interactive robotic pets for ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04168463

Exploring Use of Companion Robot Pets for Older Adults in ... This study will assess the use and impact of the affordable 'Joy for All' robot pets for older people with and without dementia living in the care homes in ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/357144599_A_Longitudinal_Study_of_Older_Adults'_Acceptance_of_Robot_Companions_and_Their_Effects_on_Well-Being

A Longitudinal Study of Older Adults' Acceptance of Robot ... In a 6-month longitudinal study of baseline acceptance and well-being, we assessed the impact of an Ageless Innovation Joy for All™ robotic pet ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9629053/

The Impact of Robotic Companion Pets on Depression and ... Findings: Results indicated depression (χ2F(2) = 21.29, p < 0.001) and loneliness (χ2F(2) = 21.11, p < 0.001) improved. Moreover, participants were engaged with ...

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-social-behavior-1-2024-43912

Robotic Pets for Older Adults · Info for Participants Trial Overview The study is examining if a Hasbro Joy for All robot pet companion can improve the wellbeing of older adults and reduce stress on their ...

7. us.keyirobot.com us.keyirobot.com/blogs/buying-guide/honest-review-is-the-joy-for-all-companion-pet-truly-lifelike

Honest Review: Is the Joy for All Companion Pet Truly ... These robotic companions are ideal for the elderly, They reduce loneliness, soothe agitation, and liftspirits, particularly for individuals with ...