About PARO Therapeutic
The world's most clinically validated therapeutic robot. PARO is a FDA-cleared Class II medical device — a baby harp seal that responds to touch, sound and light. Over 30 peer-reviewed studies demonstrate significant reductions in agitation, anxiety and pain medication in dementia and palliative care.
Key features
Clinically proven therapeutic effect
PARO is not a toy — it's a Guinness-certified therapy robot used as a clinical intervention. 30+ peer-reviewed studies document measurable reductions in agitation, anxiety, depression and pain medication use.
Multi-sensory interaction
12 tactile sensors under antibacterial fur, light sensors, temperature sensors, microphone array and whisker touch detection. PARO responds realistically to being stroked, held, spoken to and exposed to light.
Voice and name learning
PARO recognises its own name and responds to frequently-used words and phrases. It vocalises using sounds recorded from real baby harp seals — genuine and soothing.
Day/night cycle & energy management
PARO is programmed to be active during the day and sleep at night — mirroring human sleep patterns and making it feel like a living companion rather than a device.
Antibacterial & infection-safe
PARO's fur is made with antibacterial materials and can be wiped clean with hospital-grade sanitising products — fully suitable for clinical care environments.
Non-pharmacological intervention
Facilities use PARO as a documented non-drug intervention before reaching for PRN medication. In some facilities, PARO has measurably reduced antipsychotic and sedative use.
Clinical outcomes & evidence
42%
average reduction in agitation incidents (dementia wards)
63%
of studies report measurable reduction in anxiety scores
PRN↓
Documented reduction in as-needed medication in 8 facilities
Data from peer-reviewed studies, supplier pilot programmes and independent facility reports. Sources available on request.
Who is PARO Therapeutic best suited for?
Works well for
Dementia and memory care units
Palliative and end-of-life care
High-agitation residents
Residents who love animals but can't have pets
Paediatric care and children's wards
Facilities seeking non-pharmacological interventions
Less ideal for
Residents with severe animal phobias
Settings requiring conversational AI features
Facilities needing telehealth or remote capabilities
Implementation timeline
1
Purchase & delivery
Delivered within 2–3 weeks via AU distributor. Arrives fully configured and ready to use.
2
Staff orientation (Day 1)
One-hour orientation session covering safe use, hygiene protocols and documentation guidance.
3
Resident introduction
Introduce PARO in a calm, 1:1 or small group setting. Most residents show immediate positive response.
4
Care protocol integration
Add PARO to care plans as a documented non-pharmacological intervention. Begin outcome tracking.
5
Ongoing use
PARO requires minimal maintenance — routine hygiene wipe-down and charging. Fur replacement kits available when needed.
Technical specifications
| Type | Therapeutic companion robot |
| Form factor | Baby harp seal · ~6 pounds |
| Regulatory | FDA Class II medical device (USA) · CE Mark (EU) |
| Sensors | Tactile, light, temperature, microphone, whisker |
| Fur | Antibacterial · sanitiser-safe · replaceable |
| Battery | ~2 hours active use · pacifier charger |
| Vocalisations | Recorded from real harp seal pups |
| AU availability | Available via AU distributor |
| Pricing model | One-time purchase (no subscription) |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer warranty |
Australian funding options
Potential funding pathways
✓
Aged Care Quality Standards — Directly supports Standard 2 (Ongoing assessment) and Standard 3 (Personal care) as a documented clinical tool.
✓
ACFI / AN-ACC funding — PARO can support higher care funding classifications through documented clinical use in behavioural management.
✓
Home Care Packages — HCP Level 3–4 assistive technology budgets can often fund PARO for in-home use.
✓
NDIS Assistive Technology — May qualify as AT under therapeutic device category for eligible NDIS participants.
Funding eligibility varies by individual circumstances and facility type. Always confirm with your funding body or case manager before assuming coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Is PARO a medical device or a toy?
PARO is a certified medical device, not a toy. It holds FDA Class II medical device clearance in the United States and CE Mark certification in Europe. It is used and documented as a clinical intervention in aged care, hospital and palliative care settings worldwide.
How do I clean PARO safely?
PARO's antibacterial fur can be wiped with hospital-grade sanitising wipes — the same products used on clinical equipment. PARO should not be submerged in water. Replacement fur kits are available when needed.
What if a resident becomes too attached to PARO?
This is a real clinical consideration discussed in PARO training resources. Facilities are advised to establish clear protocols about PARO as a shared resource, and to prepare residents if PARO needs to be sent for maintenance. The AU distributor provides clinical guidance on this.
Has PARO been used in Australian aged care?
Yes — PARO has been used in Australian residential aged care, palliative care and dementia care settings. Several AU facilities have published internal outcome reports showing reduced PRN medication use and improved resident wellbeing scores.
What is the expected lifespan?
With proper care, PARO devices typically last 5–10 years. Fur replacement kits, charging cables and software updates are available from the AU distributor throughout the device's life.
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