Expper Technologies Deploys Socially Assistive Robot Robin Across 30 US Health Systems
The Glendale-based startup uses a hybrid AI-human control model to reduce patient anxiety in hospitals and care facilities.
Expper Technologies has deployed its socially assistive mobile robot, Robin, across approximately 30 healthcare facilities in the United States. The initiative aims to improve the emotional well-being of patients in hospitals, dental clinics, and adult care facilities by providing companionship and reducing clinical anxiety.
Based in Glendale, California, Expper Technologies developed Robin to function as a non-judgmental peer for patients. The robot is currently active in several states, including California, Massachusetts, New York, and Indiana. To ensure safe and effective interaction, the system utilizes a hybrid control model: the robot is approximately 30% autonomous, while remote human operators manage navigation and intervene to handle complex queries.
The Evolution of Social Robotics
Founded in 2019, Expper Technologies entered the market during a period of heightened need for patient companionship. The company conducted an early pilot program at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital in 2020, studying how robotic interaction could help pediatric patients manage the stress of healthcare environments. This research helped shape Robin's role as a tool for emotional support rather than a purely functional medical device.
According to Davit Martirosyan, co-founder and head of engineering at Expper, the company is attempting to carve out a specific niche for machine-human communication. Martirosyan notes that while machines cannot be human friends, they should also be more than just gadgets, positioning Robin as a bridge between the two.
Impact on Patient Care
The deployment of Robin marks a broader shift toward socially assistive robotics in the healthcare sector. By focusing on the psychological state of the patient, these robots help individuals cooperate more effectively with medical staff and lower the overall stress associated with clinical settings. This approach is particularly valuable in pediatric and geriatric care, where emotional volatility can complicate treatment.
Unlike traditional service robots that perform discrete tasks like delivery or disinfection, Robin is designed specifically for interaction. The goal is to provide a consistent, friendly presence that can distract patients from the discomfort of their surroundings and foster a more positive healthcare experience.
Future Outlook
As Expper Technologies continues to scale, the company is focusing on refining the balance between AI autonomy and human oversight. The success of the initial 30 deployments provides a blueprint for how socially assistive robots can be integrated into diverse medical environments without replacing the essential human element of care. Observers will be watching to see if this hybrid model can be scaled to larger health systems while maintaining the personalized emotional support that defines the Robin experience.