Therapy robot leasing and trials
Ways to try a PARO seal or companion robot before buying: loan units, trials, leasing and subscription, plus what staff should record during a trial.
A therapy robot is a large purchase for a single unit or ward. Many teams want to see how their residents or patients respond before they spend the money. The options depend on the product and the supplier, and few suppliers publish their terms.
Options you may be offered
| Option | How it usually works | What to confirm in writing |
|---|---|---|
| Outright purchase | The facility owns the unit | Warranty, repair turnaround, spare charger |
| Loan or trial unit | Supplier lends a unit for a set period | Length of loan, freight both ways, cover for damage |
| Lease or rental | Regular payments over a fixed term | Total cost over the term, buyout at the end |
| Subscription | Common for humanoid robots | Software updates, support and replacement included |
Andromeda supplies its Abi companion robot on subscription. PARO distributors in Australia quote on request, and whether a loan, lease or trial is offered depends on the distributor at the time you ask. Ask for every term in writing before a unit arrives.
How long a trial needs
Give staff enough time to see which people respond and which do not. The Queensland PARO trial ran sessions of 15 minutes, three times a week, over 10 weeks. A facility trial does not need to copy that design, but a trial of a few days tells you little.
What to record during a trial
- Who used the robot, how often and for how long.
- The response each time: calmer, more engaged, no change or distressed.
- Staff time spent on sessions, charging and cleaning.
- Any faults or practical problems with the unit.
These notes give the clinical team material for care plans, and give whoever holds the budget a basis for buying or returning the unit.
Ending a trial
Agree before the trial starts how the unit goes back and who pays the freight. If a resident becomes attached to the robot, plan how staff will manage its removal.