Elderly people in Cornwall have been given the chance to meet a selection of robotic creatures.

Therapeutic pets including an animatronic seal, dinosaur and puppy joined forces with Pepper the robot to meet senior citizens and even lead them in a dance fitness routine as part of an EPIC Tech programme.

Registered manager Donna Pollard, from Miners Court, Redruth, which was visited by the programme, said: ‘Everyone thought the therapeutic pets were just amazing and the residents really loved holding them and interacting with them. Pepper the robot and her Zumba routine went down a storm and it was great to see so much physical activity and exercise going on.

‘There are huge benefits to be utilised in terms of the impact technology can have on an ageing population. It’s now easier than ever to get access to the internet, connect with family and friends, listen to nostalgic tunes and much more. All of these things open up exciting opportunities for our residents and many of them are keen to find out more.’

Residents at Miners Court also had the chance to have a go at a virtual reality experience, learn about Skype and digital assistants and find out about online shopping.

EPIC is a three-year Plymouth University project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund with the aim of helping to improve health and wellbeing with the use of technology.

In turn, it is hoped this will benefit the local economy.

Kirsty Marrs, from the University of Plymouth, said: ‘We love interacting with the people of Cornwall, and introducing them to new technologies, even dancing robots – it’s a great way to start the conversation on e-health, get ideas flowing and show how technology can help to improve lives day to day - which we hope will continue long after the project finishes.’

The technology event at Miners Court was hosted and funded by EPIC, with sessions on the day supported by Coastline Housing, Smartline, Borrow Box and Cornwall Link.