Robotic dogs play role as companions in China's nursing homes

A robotic dog named "Xiao Xi" was seen shuttling back and forth in a nursing home in Xihu District of Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province on Monday. Accompanied by rhythmic clicking footsteps, it delivered medicine to elderly people and accompanied them on walks.　

This trial of deploying robotic dogs in nursing homes is part of local efforts to explore smart elderly care solutions. Unlike industrial-grade heavy robotic dogs, the 14-kilogram machine is equipped with high-precision radar and cameras, enabling autonomous route planning and obstacle avoidance.　

Many senior citizens indicated that the robotic dog has brought joy and warmth to their everyday lives.　

(Reported by Wu Junyi; Edited by Qi Yiling)