Interactive robot will bring play, connection and emotional support to children during their hospital stay
October 13, 2026 – Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center is welcoming a new companion for its youngest patients: Robin the Robot. Acquired through a generous donation from the Palm Beach Ray of Hope Foundation, Robin is designed to bring joy, encourage engagement and provide emotional support to children receiving care.
Developed by Los Angeles-based Expper Technologies, Robin combines artificial intelligence with thoughtful design to create personalized, interactive experiences. Through conversations, memory games and calming routines, Robin offers children opportunities to play and connect in an environment that can sometimes feel unfamiliar or overwhelming.
“A hospital stay can be challenging for children and their families, and helping a child feel comfortable and supported is an important part of the care we provide,” said Cynthia McCauley, chief executive officer of St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. “Thanks to the generosity of Janet Levy and the Palm Beach Ray of Hope Foundation, Robin will give our youngest patients another reason to smile and another way to engage during their time with us. We are grateful for this investment in their emotional well-being.”
Robin will complement the compassionate care provided by the hospital’s team, offering an additional source of encouragement and connection for pediatric patients. Its interactive experiences are designed to support children during vulnerable moments while bringing the familiarity of play into the hospital setting.
“Every child deserves moments of joy, even when facing the uncertainty of a hospital stay,” said Janet Levy, founder and president of the Palm Beach Ray of Hope Foundation. “We are proud to help bring Robin to Palm Beach Children’s Hospital and support the team’s commitment to caring for the whole child. Our hope is that Robin will brighten children’s days, offer comfort to families and make their experience a little easier.”
Expper Technologies develops robotic systems that expand access to emotional and therapeutic support in healthcare. Its flagship robot, Robin, is used in pediatric and geriatric care settings, with experiences tailored to the needs of each population. The company’s work has earned national recognition, including a place on TIME’s Best Inventions list.
“We created Robin to help bring meaningful connection and emotional support to people when they need it most,” said Karen Khachikyan, Robin the Robot’s creator at Expper Technologies. “For a child in the hospital, a conversation, a game or a moment of laughter can make a difference in their day. We are excited to work with Palm Beach Children’s Hospital and grateful to the Palm Beach Ray of Hope Foundation for making this possible.”
The donation reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the hospital experience for children and families, pairing compassionate pediatric care with new opportunities for comfort, creativity and connection.
About St. Mary’s Medical Center
St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC), part of the Palm Beach Health Network, is a 420-bed acute care hospital in West Palm Beach. The hospital has been serving Palm Beach County and the Treasure for more than 80 years. SMMC is a Level 1 Trauma Center, a state-designated Pediatric Trauma Referral Center, certified Comprehensive Stoke Center, and has a level III NICU.
Pediatric services are provided at the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center, which is the only dedicated children’s hospital between Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando. Along with 24/7 dedicated pediatric emergency and trauma care, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital’s medical staff consists of 196 pediatricians in 36 subspecialties.
To learn more about St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, visit www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com or call 561-844-6300.
