Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Yoko Hori is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction and gerontechnology, with a focus on using robotic pets to improve mental health and quality of life for vulnerable populations. Her most influential work centers on the therapeutic applications of the seal robot PARO, particularly for elderly individuals with cognitive impairment and those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In her 2021 study on PARO as a biofeedback medical device for mental health during COVID-19 (28 citations), Hori demonstrated how robotic companions can reduce human-to-human contact while providing emotional support—a critical innovation during a global health crisis. Her case study on PARO’s use in distributed layout elderly housing (12 citations) further established her expertise in deploying robotic interventions for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). By showing that intermittent, long-term exposure to PARO can improve mood and reduce agitation in cognitively impaired older adults, Hori has contributed vital evidence for integrating socially assistive robots into elder care. Her work bridges engineering, psychology, and public health, offering scalable solutions for aging populations and pandemic-era mental health challenges.