0. Dogg0

This research project is an initiative of four Master's students from the Delft University of Technology. The project aims to create a dog-like robot named Dogg0.

The idea behind the project is to develop a robot that can provide companionship to dementia patients. According to the World Health Organization (2023), an estimated 55 million people worldwide have dementia, and this is increasing with 10 million every year. Dementia can cause memory loss, confusion, and disorientation, which can make it hard for individuals to perform everyday tasks and maintain social connections.

The Dogg0 robot is designed to address these challenges by providing a friendly and interactive companion for elderly individuals with dementia. The robot is designed to look and behave like a dog, which is a familiar and comforting presence for many people. It will be equipped with sensors and cameras that will allow it to navigate the environment, and interact with its surroundings. This report tries to answer the following research question: How can we use robotics to help people with Dementia become less lonely, increase independence and reduce stress. 

To achieve this, we will conduct an experiment on measure trustworthiness, the effect on the mood of the PwD, and the functionalities of the robot. These aspects will be assessed using a questionnaire filled out by participants immediately after the experiment.

The team working on the Dogg0 project consists of four Master's students in Cognitive Robotics. Together, they are working on designing the robot's behavior and interactions with humans.

The project is still in its early stages, but the team is excited about the potential impact that Dogg0 could have on the lives of elderly individuals with dementia. They hope that their research will lead to the development of a robot that can provide companionship and assistance to those who need it most.

World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, 15 maart). Dementia. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia