A cuddly baby harp seal is helping Hong Kong therapists treat elderly patients with dementia and depression.
It's not a real seal but a robot developed by a Japanese company as a safe alternative to animal therapy using live pets.
Paro, short for personal robot, has dozens of sensors that respond to touch, light, temperature and sound, and imitates the yelp of a baby harp seal. It is used at Sha Tin Hospital and at the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service Sha Tin Caring Centre.
Paro inventor Takanori Shibata said he chose the baby seal for its "attractive shape" - "like a big egg or rugby ball".
The Japanese scientist said he developed cat and dog robots, but testers were disappointed because they kept comparing them to the real things.
Jean Woo, project director of Cadenza, a Jockey Club initiative for seniors, said it was a "major improvement in care" for dementia patients, who need mental and physical stimulation.