What the research says about robotic pets
A plain summary of the research on robotic pets for people living with dementia, including the Queensland PARO trial, recent reviews and the limits.
Robotic pets have been studied in aged care for more than 15 years. The evidence is encouraging for agitation and engagement, and weaker for mood and memory. This page summarises the main studies so facilities and families can set realistic expectations.
The Australian trial
The largest Australian study was a cluster randomised trial led by Griffith University across 28 long-term care facilities in South-East Queensland, with 415 residents living with dementia (Moyle and colleagues, 2017). Residents were given PARO, a plush version of PARO that was switched off, or usual care, for 15 minutes three times a week over 10 weeks.
- On video observation, PARO reduced agitation and increased pleasure compared with usual care.
- PARO produced more verbal and visual engagement than the plush toy.
- On the standard staff-rated agitation scale, there was no difference between the three groups.
A companion cost study (Mervin and colleagues, 2018) found both PARO and the plush toy were cost-effective ways to reduce agitation, and the plush toy was slightly better value.
Recent reviews
- A 2025 meta-analysis of 15 randomised trials with 705 participants found robot interventions reduced agitation and anxiety in people with dementia. It found no significant effect on cognition, depression or quality of life. Longer programs did better, and animal-shaped robots did as well as humanoid ones (Fan and colleagues, Journal of Medical Internet Research).
- A 2023 review of 51 studies concluded robotic animals may help with depression, agitation and quality of life, but most studies had design limits (Shoesmith and colleagues, Dementia).
- A 2022 study of robotic dogs and cats in residential care over six weeks found lower depression and loneliness scores (Fogelson and colleagues, Journal of Holistic Nursing).
What Australian dementia services advise
Dementia Support Australia, the Government-funded behaviour support service run by HammondCare, suggests simulated pets for people with moderate to severe dementia who are socially isolated, have reduced communication, or show apathy or agitation. It recommends using them alongside other strategies, not instead of them.
How to use this evidence
- Say a robotic pet can reduce agitation and improve engagement for many residents.
- Do not promise it will reduce medication, improve memory or work for everyone.
- Watch each person’s response and record it. A pet that upsets someone should be taken away.
Related: robotic pets and the Quality Standards, PARO versus a companion pet versus a plush toy.