I never thought I’d see the day! Developed by a team of engineers, PH.D.’s and very talented minds, RYAN was born. At the University of Denver, this group of visionaries built a robot who would come to work with people with many types of dementia from head trauma to Autism and Alzheimer’s. This robot, RYAN, intuitively learns when spoken to, and can feel your emotions. In working with our friends with Alzheimer’s, he provides a friend, who will laugh and joke with you, look at photographs of family and friends, and help you to think about abstract thoughts. He holds no judgment, offering just friendship to those who don’t receive visitors at their nursing homes. RYAN helps with finishing thoughts and offering words that were seemingly lost in translation. RYAN offers so much to those in need. Let’s practice colors he offers, watch videos, play our favorite music; ask and he will make it so. Outstanding technology I learned about today on my radio show, Dementia Resilience with Jill Lorentz on Cruisin’ 1430AM Denver, Colorado.
HI, I’m Ryan!
I am a fully autonomous social robot. I can talk, listen, express, understand, and remember. My programming lets me have a conversation with just about anyone.
RYAN was created by mastermind, Mohammad H. Mahoor Ph.D., President and Founder, who guided his team, Ali Mollahosseini VP of Engineering, Amir Kargar, Josh Lane, Ronnie Toplyn, Norma Ortiz, along with Advisory Board Members: Ron Cole Ph.D. President, Boulder Learning Inc., Richard Voyles Ph.D. and Associate Dean, Purdue University, Jonathon Buckley – Director, DU Mechanical Engineer Lab, and Mohammad Mavadati Ph.D. Computer Vision Scientist, Affectiva Inc.
RYAN is currently being tested at two area care communities in Denver, to build his knowledge and give residents who never seem to have visitors, a chance at friendship. He has a face and his eyes read his subjects mannerisms. Utterly fascinating technology and research being done at Denver University! I was told today by David Geras, Owner of GoldLeaf Homecare in Denver, who champions this type of creativity, that this technology will be affordable for communities in the very near future. Kudos to the bright minds who have created RYAN and I am thrilled to share their work with my CaregiveNation! Well done!