Honda Introduces AI-Powered Social Robot “Haru” in a University Hospital in Spain
The Robot Design Lab contributes with a soft robotic neck for enhanced safety, expressivity, and reliability
Honda Global has officially presented its AI-powered social robot Haru , announcing its introduction at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR) in Seville, Spain. The hospital will use Haru to support children undergoing long-term treatment, providing companionship and promoting engagement during rehabilitation.
The Robot Design Lab is proud to have contributed to this iteration of Haru, designing and implementing the soft robotic neck that makes the robot safer, more expressive, and reliable during extended operation. This feature plays a central role in enabling Haru’s natural interactions while ensuring robust performance in sensitive healthcare environments.
Haru is a desktop-sized social robot capable of empathic interaction. With built-in AI, Haru interprets biometric signals such as facial expressions and voice tones, and responds with supportive sounds, expressions, and light cues. At HUVR, Haru is already assisting children by improving emotional engagement, encouraging active rehabilitation, and easing the challenges of hospital stays.
For the Robot Design Lab, the project demonstrates how advanced mechatronics and soft robotics can directly benefit real-world applications, especially in healthcare. By contributing to Haru’s expressive and reliable design, the lab supports Honda’s vision of developing technologies that bring social value and improve quality of life.