- BioÁlava project together with OSI Álava (Osakidetza) and with the support of Fundación Vital.
- Pilot program at HUA Txagorritxu for children aged 4 to 13 with stays of at least 3 days.
- Unitree Robotics G1 EDU Humanoid: 130 cm, 35 kg, AI, 3D sensors and 2 hours of autonomy.
- Objectives: to reduce anxiety, measure emotional impact, and explore future uses such as rehabilitation and basic tasks.
At the University Hospital of Álava, specifically in Txagorritxu, a project is beginning to take shape that seeks to make the hospital stay more bearable of pediatric patients. It is Saaki, a humanoid designed to accompany and distract children during their hospital stay.
Driven by BioÁlava in collaboration with OSI Álava and with the support of Fundación Vital, the program aims to ensure that technology, applied judiciously, contributes to reducing fear, anxiety, and uncertainty in hospitalized children.
What is Saaki and what will it be used for?
Saaki is a humanoid robot with proportions similar to those of a child aged 9 to 11: it measures 130 centimeters and weighs 35 kilos, figures that favor interaction friendly and not at all intimidating with the young patients.
The device has been designed to converse with children, suggest games, tell stories, or sing songs; it can even explain medical procedures in a simple and age-appropriate way, in both Basque and Spanish, with the aim of to accompany and distract during sensitive moments.
In addition to conversation, the robot can lead small activities such as dancing or gentle exercise, always under staff supervision and with the consent of legal guardians, thus reinforcing a presence that It never replaces professionals.but rather complements them.
Where and when will you start working?
The first phase of implementation will take place in the Pediatrics area of the HUA Txagorritxu (Vitoria-Gasteiz), with a plan to Boot between mid-December and January, and with patients selected from between 4 and 13 years old that meet clinical criteria.
In this initial stage, priority will be given to minors with a planned stay of at least three days and without associated infectious risks, to facilitate interaction sessions over three consecutive days and assess whether their presence improves emotional state and is well accepted by families and children.
Humanoid technology and capabilities
Saaki is based on the Unitree Robotics G1 EDU platform, a system equipped with Artificial Intelligence and 3D sensors that enable fluid movements and advanced communication capabilities, geared towards a relationship natural and adapted to each patient.
It has approximately two hours of autonomy; it is capable of moving around obstacles, although its use in the hospital requires that it is always under the supervision of a person to ensure the safety and proper development of the activities.
Its planned functions include simple mood questions, guided games, jokes, stories, songs, and basic explanations of procedures, all with a focus playful and educational which seeks to normalize the hospital environment.
Objectives and impact assessment
The purpose of the project is to test whether Saaki's companionship helps reduce stress, fear, and uncertainty during hospitalization, and whether it contributes to a better adaptation of the child to the healthcare environment by Learning through games and emotional support.
The BioÁlava team will measure the emotional impact of the interventions and gather feedback from families and professionals, with the aim of refining protocols and determining in which situations the robot is most effective. more useful and accepted.
Who is behind the initiative and what is the meaning of the name?
The project is led by the BioÁlava Health Research Institute, in collaboration with the Álava Integrated Health Organization (Osakidetza) and with the support of the Vital Foundation. At the presentation, given by BioÁlava's Innovation Coordinator, Juan Fernández, and attended by the Minister of Health, it was highlighted that this technology expands, does not replace current services.
The name Saaki comes from the Japanese word "saki" and is linked to the kanji "saku" (to bloom) and "ki" (hope); in addition, the double "a" alludes to "adimen artifiziala" (artificial intelligence, in Basque), reinforcing the focus on innovation with a human dimension.
Looking to the future: possible uses and extension
Beyond pediatrics, its promoters plan to explore avenues in pediatric rehabilitation, health education, and motor therapy; they are also evaluating whether it could have a role in other tasks. very basic and repetitive in surgical or laboratory settings, always after specific evaluation.
If the results are positive, the experience could be extended to other hospitals in the Basque Country, and its usefulness in accompanying elderly people in specific situations could even be studied, always focusing on the humanization of care.
With an eye toward its debut at Txagorritxu Hospital, Saaki aspires to become a "new companion" for the young patients, providing conversation, play, and simple explanations of procedures. Under supervision, with family consent and constant evaluations, the project aims to demonstrate the extent to which it can be effective. Technology can provide companionship and reassurance in the hospital without losing sight of the essential: the emotional well-being of children.
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