How AI-programmed robotic pets could transform therapy and mental health support

The Tombot Inc. hyper-realistic autonomous dog robot companion for the elderly and those unable to have a living pet dog is demonstrated during CES Unveiled ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 5, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 31 January 2025
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How AI-programmed robotic pets could transform therapy and mental health support

  • AI advancements make therapy pets a viable alternative for those unable to own real animals due to allergies or living constraints
  • Despite their potential, AI-powered companions face challenges due to cultural perceptions, cost, and data privacy

RIYADH: Pet ownership has long been associated with positive mental well-being, from the company and affection animals provide their owners to the health and social benefits offered by regular walks and interactions.

Domesticated animals like cats and dogs are routinely used to comfort people in distressing situations, including those being treated in hospital or suffering anxiety on commercial flights.

In fact, pet ownership and interactions with animals are regularly touted by doctors to help address a range of mental health issues and improve a patient’s social, emotional, or cognitive function.

A 2024 review in the Journal of Medical Internet Research highlighted animal-assisted therapy’s measurable impact on reducing stress and promoting good mental health across diverse demographics and settings.

However, for those who suffer from allergies or who for whatever reason are unable to keep a pet at home, this may not be an option.

Now, thanks to new advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, a synthetic form of animal-assisted therapy has emerged with the potential to transform the healthcare landscape.

“The future of using pet-like AI-driven robots for therapy has great potential,” Imed Gallouzi, chair of the Center of Excellence for Smart Health at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, told Arab News.

“For individuals dealing with mental health issues, AI therapy pets could provide privacy, immediate reactions to crises, and even companionship to alleviate loneliness.”

AI therapy pets could also be integrated with other smart health solutions. “These devices could link with wearable technology and remote monitoring tools to offer personalized treatment plans,” said Gallouzi.

For example, an AI pet could sync with a wearable device to monitor a patient’s heart rate and alert healthcare providers to any irregularities.

Such AI advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health conditions have come at a critical time.

The World Health Organization recently warned that mental health disorders are a major contributor to the global disease burden, with depression being the leading cause of disability worldwide.




Illustration from the WHO's "world mental health report" 

Mental health issues among young people are a growing concern in Saudi Arabia. A 2023 study based on the Saudi National Mental Health Survey revealed that at least 40.1 percent of young Saudis had experienced a mental health condition at some point in their life.

Despite the prevalence of these issues, the study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, found that just 14.47 percent of young people with mental health issues had received treatment for their condition.

The Kingdom has sought to prioritize the well-being of its citizens as part of the Vision 2030 reform agenda. In 2022, it allocated 4 percent of its healthcare budget to mental health issues — far above the global average.

But for AI-programmed robotic pets to catch on as an effective therapy tool, Noor Al-Faraj, a data AI and automation expert at IBM, says the technology must exhibit sufficient emotional intelligence and offer the right response.

“For these pets to really work, they need to understand human emotions on a deeper level,” Al-Faraj told Arab News.




Despite their potential, the adoption of AI therapy pets faces significant challenges, particularly in the Middle East. (AFP)

“Imagine an AI pet that notices your heart rate increasing and reacts with a calming purring sound or a soft nudge. It’s about combining emotional intelligence with physical presence to feel real.”

Despite their potential, the adoption of AI therapy pets faces significant challenges, particularly in the Middle East.

One of the main hurdles is cultural perceptions. Indeed, the very concept of pet ownership — particularly of dogs — differs significantly in Arab cultures compared to Western norms.

“In our Arab culture, imagining that pets — let alone robotic pets — could contribute to health is a relatively new idea,” said Gallouzi.




Domesticated animals like cats and dogs are routinely used to comfort people in distressing situations. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)

Another challenge to the adoption of AI pet therapy is technical infrastructure, as their effectiveness will likely depend on a reliable cloud-driven system or one that requires advanced internet connectivity.

Cost and accessibility also pose significant barriers. The technology would likely be prohibitively expensive for the average user. Indeed, research published in Emerging Technologies Quarterly in 2021 highlighted the high cost of advanced AI solutions in emerging markets.

Data privacy is also a critical issue, as AI therapy pets require the collection of sensitive personal information to function effectively.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Equipped with sensors, AI, and machine learning, robotic pets can respond to touch, voice, and movement. 

• Research shows AI-powered pets can reduce stress and anxiety, improving mental well-being.

• Studies estimate one in two people will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime.

• The global market for robotic pets was valued at $1.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow 9.5 percent annually (Grand View Research).

Al-Faraj says strict privacy measures are needed to ensure public trust, as concerns over data protection could hinder the technology’s uptake.

Similarly, ethical concerns surrounding AI therapy pets require attention. “If someone starts relying on an AI pet too much, it could make them pull away from real relationships, which would defeat the purpose of emotional support,” said Al-Faraj.




World Health Organization illustration

Given these drawbacks, it seems unlikely these AI companions will replace human therapists altogether — at least not any time soon. But mental health practitioners would be wise to keep up with developments.

“AI will never replace doctors, but professionals who don’t understand AI might find themselves out of work in the future,” said Gallouzi.

Creating a market for AI therapy pets in Saudi Arabia will require significant investments in education and infrastructure.

“We need to train professionals in AI and smart health technologies to prepare the next generation of experts,” Gallouzi added.

Although impressed by these developments, Al-Faraj is not yet convinced that real animals can be substituted by AI therapy pets, no matter their sophistication.

She said: “They’re unpredictable, warm, and have this way of connecting with us that feels almost magical.”

 


Saudi Arabia urges greater focus on human rights in Palestine 

President of Saudi Human Rights Commission, Hala Al-Tuwaijri, delivers a speech.
Updated 59 min 6 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia urges greater focus on human rights in Palestine 

  • Saudi rights chief highlights Vision 2030’s commitment to equality and global peace at UN session in Geneva

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia called for greater focus on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories at a UN meeting in Switzerland.

The Kingdom also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This was part of the speech delivered by the president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission and head of the Kingdom’s delegation, Hala Al-Tuwaijri, at the high-level segment of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Al-Tuwaijri said Saudi Arabia has made significant reforms in human rights, driven by Vision 2030, which is based on principles of equality, non-discrimination, and the right to development.

“This vision has empowered women, youth, and vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and migrant workers, while enhancing the quality of life for all,” Al-Tuwaijri said.

“Moreover, Vision 2030 has increased the efficiency of relevant authorities to host major global events and initiatives, with people and their rights at the heart of national priorities.”

Al-Tuwaijri emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its legislative framework, which has built a strong legal system to protect and uphold human rights.

Through comprehensive legal reforms and new legislation, Saudi Arabia has reinforced protections for all individuals. The Kingdom now embraces a diverse society with over 15 million foreigners from more than 60 nationalities — making up over 44 percent of the population — who enjoy their rights under the highest standards of legal protection, she said.

Al-Tuwaijri reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting international peace and security, guided by its core values and adherence to the UN Charter.

She also highlighted the Kingdom’s support for just causes and its proactive role in resolving global crises, including its efforts in the Ukrainian crisis.

Notably, mediation led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman resulted in several successful prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, Al-Tuwaijri said.

“For human rights to be universally upheld, we must cultivate strong societies by confronting harmful practices that undermine social harmony, including contempt for religions, hate speech, and the weakening of family values,” she concluded.

Al-Tuwaijri reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to deepening cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms, stressing the importance of respecting diverse values and embracing cultural and civilizational diversity to protect and promote human rights.


Saudi Arabia opens registration for Ramadan volunteers

Updated 50 min 5 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia opens registration for Ramadan volunteers

MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has announced the opening of volunteer registration for the holy month of Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the National Center for the Non-Profit Sector, the presidency aims to attract and use national talent to serve pilgrims and visitors.

Integrated volunteer programs in religious specializations will be offered, with plans to create more than 100 new opportunities, totaling more than 300 hours, the SPA reported.

A comprehensive volunteer database has been developed to streamline recruitment and communication, according to the report.

Volunteers are sought for roles in guidance, awareness, media, technical fields, Qur’an recitation correction, and translation.

The presidency also prepared a set of enriching initiatives as part of its operational plan for the holy month.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, said the operational plan for Ramadan is centered around 10 enriching tracks.

He said the aim is to enhance the experience of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, featuring more than 120 scientific, intellectual, and guidance initiatives to highlight the virtues of the holy month.


Saudi cabinet looks forward for innovative outcomes of Riyadh humanitarian forum

Updated 52 min 49 sec ago
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Saudi cabinet looks forward for innovative outcomes of Riyadh humanitarian forum

  • Cabinet hopes to see more developed and innovative solutions would come out of 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum

RIYADH: The Saudi Cabinet said on Tuesday it looks forward to the outcomes of the 4th Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum and how it can contribute to unifying efforts. 

The cabinet statement said it hopes to see more developed and innovative solutions come out of the Riyadh forum to enhance humanitarian response for crises around the world, the Saudi Press Agency reported.   

The Riyadh event was attended by princes, ministers, diplomats, and leaders from local, Gulf, Arab, and international governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as UN humanitarian experts. 

The Cabinet also thanked Russian President Vladmir Putin for praising Saudi Arabia’s efforts in hosting fruitful talks with United States last week. 

It said that during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Putin has expressed “positive feelings towards the kingdom and its efforts in hosting the US-Russia talks” SPA reported.  

The Council reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to exerting efforts to enhance security and peace around the world, and to consolidate dialogue as the only way to resolve all international crises.


Saudi, Indian officials discuss judicial cooperation

Updated 25 February 2025
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Saudi, Indian officials discuss judicial cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Mujib received his Indian counterpart R. Venkataramani and his delegation at the Public Prosecution’s headquarters in Riyadh.

Al-Mujib stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation to ensure better judicial outcomes in both countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Venkataramani attended a presentation on prosecutorial criminal procedures and technological advancements in judicial processes.

This visit reflects the growing relations between the two countries, which have made significant progress across various fields, the SPA reported.

Earlier this month, Al-Mujib met with Egypt’s Prosecutor General Mohamed Shawky and Justice Minister Adnan Al-Fangari in Cairo.

Al-Mujib emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise and strengthening cooperation in training and judicial governance.

He also highlighted the significant support the Public Prosecution receives from Saudi Arabia’s leadership to enhance the justice system’s efficiency and protect its independence.


Saudi minister explores healthcare ties in Indonesia

Updated 25 February 2025
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Saudi minister explores healthcare ties in Indonesia

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel met with Indonesia’s Minister of Manpower Yassierli and Migrant Workers Protection Minister Abdul Kadir Karding in Jakarta to discuss ways to boost ties.

This was a part of Al-Jalajel’s two-day visit to Indonesia, which concluded on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The discussions focused on attracting qualified healthcare professionals, training of workers, and exchanging expertise.

The meeting also addressed ways to facilitate the employment of Indonesian healthcare workers in the Kingdom’s public and private sectors, the SPA reported.

In support of the plan to enhance cooperation, Al-Jalajel and his counterparts witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Kingdom’s Healthcare Holding Co., Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta, and Gadjah Mada University.

Al-Jalajel also met with Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar for talks, with a focus on health-related aspects of the Hajj.

Their discussions covered the health requirements for Hajj including mandatory vaccinations for Indonesian pilgrims.

The two ministers also explored initiatives to enhance pre-Hajj health awareness campaigns to improve preventive measures and safeguard the well-being of pilgrims.