Role of 'healing robots' comes into focus amid pandemic in Japan

Pet-like robots are attracting attention in Japan as companions for people spending time at home amid the spread of coronavirus infections. Some such robots, which are designed to comfort and relax users but do not have specific functions to help them, have been sent to care facilities to alleviate the loneliness of residents who have less in-person contact than before due to the pandemic. The cushion-shaped Qoobo was released by robot maker Yukai Engineering Inc. in 2018. The robot wags its "tail" in line with how strongly it is rubbed by the user. Inspired by the tails of dogs and cats, the company developed the robot for people who cannot have pets.