Paro, the baby seal, has soft white fur and large, compelling black eyes. He likes to be talked to and petted, and he can be relied upon to awaken feelings in his owners, even if he has none himself—he’s a computer in the body of a cuddly toy. Developed in Japan, Paro robots are being introduced in hospitals and nursing homes across Europe, revolutionizing the treatment of dementia patients. At the same time, these high-tech pets have sparked intense controversy about the field of emotional robotics and its use in elder care. This documentary follows the scientific and ethical debate playing out in real-world situations. Visiting a German nursing home where a four-month Paro trial phase is underway, the film observes his impact on patients and personnel. Is Paro an acceptable alternative in places where using real animals is impractical or unsafe? Is his companionship superior to that of a living thing? Not available in French-speaking Canada. (52 minutes)