In Nice, the Lenval hospital is testing a smart cuddly toy to soothe sick children using artificial intelligence.

Lenval Hospital in Nice is innovating in pediatric care by integrating a smart toy into the treatments of young patients. This therapeutic robot, resembling a seal, uses artificial intelligence to react to human interactions and play a calming role for sick children. The goal of this experiment is to reduce anxiety and pain associated with hospitalization by diverting children’s attention during stressful medical procedures. This non-pharmacological device offers a new dimension to pediatric care, while also allowing for the evaluation of the emotional and physical impact such a companion can have on young patients. In Nice, Lenval Hospital is experimenting with the use of a smart toy, named Paro, to help soothe hospitalized young patients. This therapeutic robot, which resembles a plush seal, uses artificial intelligence to interact with children and help them better cope with medical treatment. A study conducted by the hospital’s medical staff, in collaboration with other medical centers in France, seeks to evaluate the impact of this device on children’s perception of pain. The goal is to find non-pharmacological methods to reduce stress during medical procedures. In Nice, Lenval Hospital is testing a smart cuddly toy to soothe sick children using artificial intelligence.

At Lenval Hospital in Nice, Paro is at the heart of an innovative study aimed at using technology to improve the pediatric care experience. Designed to reduce stress for hospitalized children, this therapeutic robot takes the form of a plush seal equipped with sensors and learning capabilities. It interacts with young patients through movements and sounds, thus facilitating their relationship with the medical environment. Use of Paro in Pediatric CareDoctors Jennifer Battista and Barbara Le Gallo, respectively experts in pediatric nephrology and pediatrics at Lenval Hospital, initiated this study to examine whether Paro can effectively alleviate the perception of pain during procedures. With the participation of several medical centers across France, this study includes approximately 120 children aged 1 to 7 years. Each participating family will be involved in observations during specific medical procedures, primarily the insertion of a peripheral intravenous line. The Benefits of a Non-Pharmacological Method

Faced with the fear that many children experience during medical procedures, the use of Paro offers a non-pharmacological alternative to calm them. Healthcare professionals will assess the young patients’ pain level using a scale based on facial expression and crying. Parents will also be asked to complete a questionnaire to obtain a comprehensive overview of the effects of this robotic intervention. Previous Applications and Potential Expansion

Although Paro has already proven its worth in geriatrics and with children with autism spectrum disorder, its use in general pediatrics is a first in France. The positive results could lead to its wider use and improve the quality of care, particularly by preventing the negative conditioning often caused by pain. Ultimately, the goal is to prevent negative medical experiences from leading to lasting trauma. The Importance of a Reassuring Animal

Paro’s seal-like shape was not chosen at random. Unlike dogs or cats, which can frighten some children, a seal is perceived as an innocent and benevolent animal. Its large eyes are designed to capture children’s attention, stimulating curiosity and encouraging positive reactions. Developed by Japanese engineer Takanori Shibata in the 1990s, Paro remains a modern technological tool offering new possibilities thanks to its interactive capabilities. The results of this experiment at Lenval could lay the groundwork for new approaches in pediatric treatment.