Playa del Carmen DIF Adds Interactive Robot to New Sensory Stimulation Room

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The children’s rehabilitation center run by Playa del Carmen’s DIF family services agency is adding a sensory stimulation room built around interactive robotics, aimed at strengthening therapy for people with disabilities and neurodivergent conditions.

Deyanira Martínez Estrada, director general of the municipal DIF system, said the equipment was purchased with 390,000 pesos raised through an Oxxo convenience store round-up campaign held between April and June of this year.

The room will use a system known as TOi Robot, which runs interactive therapeutic activities through visual, auditory and tactile stimuli designed to support cognitive, psychomotor and sensory skills.

Staff to be trained by CRIT Cancún

Arturo Melgarejo, the DIF’s director of health, said the equipment’s technical features led the agency to sign a collaboration agreement with the Teletón Children’s Rehabilitation and Inclusion Center (CRIT) in Cancún to train the staff who will operate it. Crews also carried out remodeling work in the area where the room will operate so the space fits users’ needs.

DIF expects the room to begin serving patients between November and December, starting with an estimated 40 users across children, young people and adults. Melgarejo said capacity could reach eight to 16 people a day as demand for the service grows.

The technology will expand the therapeutic options available at the children’s rehabilitation center, particularly for patients who need multisensory interventions to complement their treatment.

Martínez said the agency is already planning a second phase for the multisensory area, though she did not specify the investment amount or a timeline. The opening will depend on staff completing their training and the facilities being ready to receive patients.