Beyond the human touch: A critical review of the promise and challenges of animal- and robot-assisted therapy in loneliness and mental healthcare

Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dementia, are increasingly recognized as exacerbated by social isolation and loneliness, prompting growing interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven and robotic interventions for social support. Traditional interventions such as animal-assisted therapy (AAT) have demonstrated effectiveness by leveraging the human-animal bond to reduce stress, enhance social engagement, and improve emotional well-being. However, AAT faces logistical challenges, including availability, cost, and animal welfare concerns. In response, robot-assisted therapy (RAT) has emerged as a scalable alternative, offering consistent social interaction and emotional support without the limitations of live animals. Advances in AI have enhanced RAT’s potential by enabling more adaptive, engaging interactions, yet questions remain regarding these connections' emotional significance and depth. This review critically evaluates the efficacy of AAT and RAT in addressing mental health disorders, comparing their impact on loneliness, stress, and mental health outcomes. While AAT has demonstrated moderate yet significant benefits across various populations, its accessibility remains limited. Early RAT studies suggest potential in mitigating loneliness and improving mood, particularly in older adults and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, methodological limitations and uncertainties about emotional depth persist. Future research should enhance robotic interventions through greater emotional responsiveness, personalization, and long-term engagement. Ethical concerns surrounding data privacy and user attachment must be addressed to ensure responsible implementation. By examining the strengths and limitations of both approaches, this review discusses the evolving role of social robotics in mental healthcare, highlighting the need for further investigation to optimize therapeutic potential.