Anxiety and depression are among the most pressing global health challenges today. In densely populated regions like Hong Kong, they represent the leading causes of disease burden from adolescence through adulthood. With limited access to mental health professionals, many individuals face significant barriers to care. To bridge this gap, researchers and clinicians are turning to innovative, scalable technologies, and one promising avenue is the use of social robots.
Founded in 2024 by Tung Wah College, the Translational Research Centre for Digital Mental Health (TRC-DMH) is dedicated to transforming academic research into real-world mental health solutions. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the centre connects researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders via workshops, seminars, training programs, and an international conference.
TRC-DMH focuses on prevention, professional education, and community outreach. Its goal is to become a regional leader in digital mental health research and training, creating evidence-based tools and strategies that support mental well-being across all stages of life.
Among TRC-DMH’s initiatives, one standout project explores how Furhat can support mental health care. Led by Prof. Alex Chan, Co-Director of TRC-DMH, and Dr. Larry Auyeung, Senior Lecturer at the School of Arts and Humanities, Tung Wah College, a team of researchers is evaluating how the robot compares to traditional, human-led interventions in promoting emotional well-being, particularly for students with special educational needs (SEN), a group often facing limited access to therapists.
Backed by newly secured funding, the centre is preparing to launch a research trial in July. The team has been working closely with SEN users and stakeholders to co-design a programme tailored for Furhat, ensuring it meets users' needs and enhances engagement. Furhat’s expressive face, conversational abilities, and approachable design make it an ideal candidate for this kind of work. The centre values tools that are not only easy to use, but also foster meaningful interaction and can adapt to individual needs. Furhat fits this model with its human-like communication style and potential to engage users.
In parallel, TRC-DMH is also studying technologies like virtual reality for older adults, examining how immersive experiences might alleviate loneliness and depression.
By combining robotics, digital tools, and translational research, the centre is building a future where mental health support is more accessible, personalized, and scalable for communities in need.
