Giving new meaning to “creature comfort,” PARO is a companion robot developed as an alternative to pets and animal therapy. Modeled on a baby harp seal, each is made by hand, with distinct facial features, etc., and comes equipped with AI that allows it to learn behavior according to its owner's preferences and acquire individuality. In Japan, PARO is used in nursing care, but overseas the robots are seeing use as medical devices for combating dementia, PTSD, etc. They have brought enjoyment and