Robotherapy is defined as a framework of human–robotic creature interactions aimed at the reconstruction of a person’s negative experiences through the development of coping strategies, mediated by technological tools, in order to provide a platform for building new positive life skills. In a broader sense, the innovative concept of robotherapy offers methodological and experimental justification for the use of non–pharmacological interventions based on stimulation, assistance, and rehabilitation techniques for people with physical and cognitive impairments, special needs, or other psychological problems. 

The goal of psychologically-oriented robotherapy in studying person–robot interactions is twofold: (1) offering a research-justified modification of the robotic creature’s appearance and behavioral configuration that will be well-suited for the particular type of psychological and physical profile (e.g., specially designed robots for persons with depression, cerebral palsy, attention deficit disorder, sensory disintegration, dementia, physical immobility, anxiety, autism, loneliness, etc.), and (2) providing individually–tailored non–pharmacological interventions based upon people’s needs and preferences.    

Full citation is: Libin, A. & Libin, E. Person – Robot Interactions From the Robopsychologists Point of View: 

    The Robotic Psychology and Robotherapy Approach. Invited Paper. 

     Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 92, No. 11, November 2004, pp.1789-1803.