Robotic seal aids Oxford dementia sufferers

Paro, a robotic baby seal pup, has been introduced to residents of an Oxford care home.

It is an advanced robot with sensors so it responds when you touch or speak to it. It can learn the more you interact with it and moves its head and tail as if it is alive.

Since it arrived three months ago at the Longlands care home, part of The Orders of St John Care Trust, staff say it has had a huge impact on residents.

They say the seal offers all the benefits of animal therapy without the risk of infection, need for feeding or getting bored and wandering off when people want a cuddle.