Robotic Cats' Comforting People With Dementia at VA Nursing Community in Albany

The Stratton VA Medical Center Nursing Home in Albany, N.Y., is experimenting with robotic cats to comfort residents with dementia, reports WNYT . The artificial intelligence-enabled pet can stretch, purr, and roll on its back in a simulation of normal cat behaviors. These programmed reactions are triggered in response to how much people interact with the robot. "The idea is that it's a non-pharmacological intervention that can help with anxiety, it can help with agitation, restlessness," says VA psychologist Caitlin Holly. The robots cost about $100 each, and the VA has deployed one dog and three cats, with plans to expand their menagerie. However, not all VA residents with dementia may qualify for a robotic pet. "If a veteran really had a close connection with a particular animal, if their family member thinks they would benefit — some of it is based on what we notice them struggling with," Holly says.