Rather than compare this robot to caring parents or human volunteers - maybe it should be compared to a teddy bear (or other "stuffed animal" toy), gentle pet tortoise, economy "robot pet" dog or cat, or similar. All of those seem likely to cheer kids up...but lack the "easily wiped down with hospital-grade sanitizer" advantage of the robot. (Or the high tech cred, or the price tag...)
An elderly neighbor of mine recently got a "robot pet cat". After her husband had to go to a nursing home, leaving her living alone. It was a gift from another elderly lady, similarly living alone. My neighbor knows darn well that it's a cheap toy (very limited behaviors, obvious gear noises, etc.). But she still finds it quite comforting to hold and "play with", when the stress (bills, uncertainty, dealing with endless doctors and social workers, etc.) is getting to her.
An elderly neighbor of mine recently got a "robot pet cat". After her husband had to go to a nursing home, leaving her living alone. It was a gift from another elderly lady, similarly living alone. My neighbor knows darn well that it's a cheap toy (very limited behaviors, obvious gear noises, etc.). But she still finds it quite comforting to hold and "play with", when the stress (bills, uncertainty, dealing with endless doctors and social workers, etc.) is getting to her.