Famileaf: Flowerpot robot for dementia prevention

In Japan, as the rate of dementia increases, the interest in preventing dementia also increases. In this paper, we propose a flowerpot-type robot system called Famileaf. Growing a plant using Famileaf is expected to prevent dementia. The robot comprises a flowerpot, microcomputer, multiple sensors, and a battery. Famileaf can post a comment on a social networking site (SNS) to interact with an elderly person who is a grower. The users of the robot can grow plants in the same manner as they take care of a pet. Because the users can grow plants with more attachment, the use of Famileaf is expected to prevent dementia. Herein, the concept and the prototype of Famileaf have been described.