Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Meet the LOVOTS: Cocoa, Cereal, Jellybean and Toffee. These AI-powered social robots from Japan are visiting the UC Davis MIND Institute as part of a first-of-its-kind research study exploring whether social robots can help reduce stress and anxiety for children during medical appointments. Researchers are studying how children interact with the robots in a pediatric waiting room and whether those interactions can make doctor visits, blood draws and other potentially stressful experiences more comfortable.
The study is led by Dr. Veronica Ahumada and the UC Davis Health Technology and Social Connectedness Lab. The research aims to determine whether social robots can increase human connection and support children and families in healthcare settings before the technology is adopted more widely. Learn how these friendly AI companions work, how patient privacy is protected, and why researchers believe technology should be carefully evaluated before being introduced into pediatric care.
Learn more about this study: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/can-friendly-social-robots-help-ease-a-childs-anxiety-at-the-doctors-office/2026/06
Also watch -- Can an AI Robot Improve Life for Patients with Dementia?: youtu.be/DG2D_Ni_PHo
This video includes an audio description track. To hear the narration of on‑screen text, turn on "English Descriptive" in the player’s settings menu.
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UC Davis Health is committed to improving health for all through collaborative clinical, translational and basic science research. Across our organization, innovative studies are driving new technologies, treatments and therapies that directly benefit patients. With more clinical trials than any other health care provider in our region and renowned research centers led by internationally recognized experts, UC Davis Health is driving discoveries that address today’s most pressing health challenges.
Driving Discovery at UC Davis Health: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM7qvIv8N9RuiFD4q7L9Afj55Zxhx2seB
Research at UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/research/
Clinical trials at UC Davis Health: studypages.com/ucdavis/home
UC Davis School of Medicine: https://medschool.ucdavis.edu
See the latest news from UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/newsroom
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0:00 Meet the LOVOTS!
0:19 How social robots work
0:48 Can social robots reduce anxiety?
1:12 The research behind the AI robots
2:06 Families react to the LOVOTS
The information in this video was accurate as of the upload date, 6/22/26. For information purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for advice.
#AI #Robotics #Lovots #Pediatrics #MINDInstitute #ArtificialIntelligence
Meet the LOVOTS: Cocoa, Cereal, Jellybean and Toffee. These AI-powered social robots from Japan are visiting the UC Davis MIND Institute as part of a first-of-its-kind research study exploring whether social robots can help reduce stress and anxiety for children during medical appointments. Researchers are studying how children interact with the robots in a pediatric waiting room and whether those interactions can make doctor visits, blood draws and other potentially stressful experiences more comfortable.
The study is led by Dr. Veronica Ahumada and the UC Davis Health Technology and Social Connectedness Lab. The research aims to determine whether social robots can increase human connection and support children and families in healthcare settings before the technology is adopted more widely. Learn how these friendly AI companions work, how patient privacy is protected, and why researchers believe technology should be carefully evaluated before being introduced into pediatric care.
Learn more about this study: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/can-friendly-social-robots-help-ease-a-childs-anxiety-at-the-doctors-office/2026/06
Also watch -- Can an AI Robot Improve Life for Patients with Dementia?: youtu.be/DG2D_Ni_PHo
This video includes an audio description track. To hear the narration of on‑screen text, turn on "English Descriptive" in the player’s settings menu.
——
UC Davis Health is committed to improving health for all through collaborative clinical, translational and basic science research. Across our organization, innovative studies are driving new technologies, treatments and therapies that directly benefit patients. With more clinical trials than any other health care provider in our region and renowned research centers led by internationally recognized experts, UC Davis Health is driving discoveries that address today’s most pressing health challenges.
Driving Discovery at UC Davis Health: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM7qvIv8N9RuiFD4q7L9Afj55Zxhx2seB
Research at UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/research/
Clinical trials at UC Davis Health: studypages.com/ucdavis/home
UC Davis School of Medicine: https://medschool.ucdavis.edu
See the latest news from UC Davis Health: https://health.ucdavis.edu/newsroom
——
0:00 Meet the LOVOTS!
0:19 How social robots work
0:48 Can social robots reduce anxiety?
1:12 The research behind the AI robots
2:06 Families react to the LOVOTS
The information in this video was accurate as of the upload date, 6/22/26. For information purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for advice.
#AI #Robotics #Lovots #Pediatrics #MINDInstitute #ArtificialIntelligence
