According to the study, robots seemed to promote social interaction with other residents, family members and employees, often as a catalyst for discussion. “Yet not all of them. This is the result of recent British research that suggests that these high-tech “robots” are the second best option for residents of nursing homes who may not have a loved pet or who suffer from loneliness. Of course, the reactions of “residents may vary depending on whether they live with dementia and the severity of dementia or not,” said the Abbott team. Many nursing home residents had fun with Robopet, even though they realized “he” wasn’t a real dog or cat. For example, while the emotional benefits for some residents seem clear, “we don’t know if this [technology] reduces drug use or other health effects,” “he” says. This means that specific team training on how best to use the equipment should help residents make the most of the technology, as suggested by Abbott and “his” colleagues. Robots promote conversation and create loving memories of pets or past experiences, Abbott says. Some residents have talked to Robopet as if “he” were a real, live animal. According to the team, knowing if a person loves animals or if they have had pets can affect the importance they attach to a Robopet.