Robotic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: rCBT

Hooman Samani, Abolfazl Zaraki, Daisy-Rose Davies, Owen Noel Newton Fernando

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper introduces Robotic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (rCBT) as a novel approach to overcoming the limitations of traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in treating emotional and psychological issues. After a brief overview of CBT and its inherent challenges, this paper explores the innovative application of physical robots in therapy, building on the success of technology-based CBT methods that have effectively treated various mental health conditions. The proposed rCBT solution is a compact, portable, and cost-effective 3D-printed robot designed to aid individuals with anxiety or depression. This robot includes interactive features such as a diary, health questionnaires, daily mood monitoring, to-do lists, mindfulness exercises, and a crisis helpline, enabling users to track their emotional states and activities. These functions support healthcare professionals and users in identifying emotional patterns and triggers. The robot can monitor physiological signals like heart rate. This research aims to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of CBT, suggesting that rCBT could significantly broaden the therapy’s reach and improve mental health outcomes for a larger population.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSocial Robotics - 16th International Conference, ICSR + BioMed 2024, Proceedings
EditorsShuzhi Sam Ge, Zhuojing Luo, Yanen Wang, Hooman Samani, Ruihang Ji, Hongsheng He
Place of PublicationSingapore
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages133-142
Number of pages10
Volume14916
ISBN (Electronic)978-981-97-8963-4
ISBN (Print)978-981-97-8962-7
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 25 Dec 2025
Event16th International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR) + BioMed 2024 - Singapore, Singapore
Duration: 16 Aug 202418 Aug 2024
Conference number: 16
http://www.biomed2024.org/

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume14916 LNAI
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference16th International Conference on Social Robotics (ICSR) + BioMed 2024
Abbreviated title ICSR + BioMed 2024
Country/TerritorySingapore
CitySingapore
Period16/08/2418/08/24
Internet address

Keywords

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Human-Robot Interaction
  • Robotic CBT (rCBT)
  • Social Robotics
  • Socially Assistive Robot

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