Deploying a Robotic ride-on Car in the Hospital to Reduce the Stress of Pediatric Patients before Surgery

Pediatric patients frequently experience stress before surgery, impacting their overall well-being. Our study introduces a unique robotic ride-on car aimed at reducing preoperative stress in children aged 3-10. Drawing inspiration from assistive driving technologies, this car is equipped with various sensors and intervention mechanisms that can be controlled either manually by a human or automatically by an AI system. We conducted a pilot user study at Hospital Sant Joan de Deu (Barcelona) to evaluate the car’s effect on stress as observed and reported by tutors and healthcare professionals. The results underscore the car’s potential as a technological intervention for preoperative stress reduction. They also provide valuable insights into the broader implications and challenges of integrating empathetic technology into pediatric healthcare, as well as guidance for future design in this field.