An unusual approach to supporting seriously ill children is being tested in Japan: at a clinic in Tokyo, patients have begun receiving “fluffy” AI powered robots e. The devices are designed to help children cope with loneliness and stress during long-term treatment, El.kz reports.

In the pediatric department of Jikei University Hospital in Tokyo, an experiment has been launched using robots called Moflin. These devices resemble soft animals something between a hamster and a rabbit and are intended to provide emotional support for children who are forced to remain in isolation.

As explained by Dr. Kimihiko Oishi, medical staff cannot always give enough attention to every patient. This is especially evident in cases where children undergo complex procedures such as bone marrow transplants and have limited contact with the outside world. According to him, the project aims to create a warmer and more “human” atmosphere in hospital rooms.

The Moflin robot was developed by a Japanese startup. The device is equipped with built-in artificial intelligence that allows it to gradually “adapt” to its owner. Over time, the robot begins to recognize the child’s voice and touch, responding with sounds and movements.

Developers hope that such technologies will not only reduce stress levels in patients but also partially compensate for the lack of communication. If the experiment proves successful, similar solutions could see wider adoption in medical institutions around the world.