The telepresence avatar robot OriHime as a communication tool for adults with acquired brain injury: an ethnographic case study

Acquired brain injuries are one of the main causes of human disability worldwide. It can lead to social isolation due to physical and mental dysfunctions. Studies on using robots in social psychiatry have shown positive results regarding mental function and social behavior among patients facing challenges similar to acquired brain injury (ABI). To explore how the telepresence avatar robot OriHime can be used as a communication tool between patients at home with mild-to-moderate ABI and members at a rehabilitation center with ABI and to determine whether the telepresence avatar robot OriHime can motivate the patients at home to participate in rehabilitation activities at the rehabilitation center. We conducted an exploratory ethnographic case study, applying the conceptual framework ‘community of practice.’ The intervention consisted of sessions where ABI patients at home (n = 8) interacted with a member (n = 4) from Aalborg Rehabilitation Club using OriHime. Data collection consisted of documentary materials, participant observation (141 h) and semi-structured interviews (n = 11). The data were analyzed and triangulated in NVivo 12.0. The patients at home found nonverbal communication valuable, while the members at the rehabilitation center felt that OriHime lacked human features and preferred direct verbal communication. The technology facilitated a feeling of being a part of a community of practice between the participants, and it motivated the patients at home to participate in the rehabilitating activities. One patient visited the rehabilitation center physically. OriHime can as a communication tool motivate and engage patients to participate in rehabilitating activities.