EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH HYODOL.
A South Korean company has created an AI doll companion to combat loneliness among the elderly.
The companion robot, Hyodol, can process language, recognise emotions, talk and play music to help the lonely feel less alone.
CEO Jihee Kim said: “Our mission has always been to enhance the lives of older adults who may feel marginalised due to their perceived societal value, which is often tied to their current productivity.
“In 2015, I pondered over what would truly benefit social workers providing care to elderly individuals living alone, without the constraints of time. The solution was clear: to infuse their living spaces with warmth and to offer guardians instant, accurate access to comprehensive life log data collected seamlessly in the background,” she added.
Using a soft fabric and childlike appearance, the doll is designed to be appealing to the elderly and encourage user interaction.
Kim commented: “We are committed to addressing global social challenges, such as the rise in socially isolated households, the diversification of care needs, and the shortage of care personnel and resources, extending our efforts beyond Korea.”
Each doll can become unique as it gathers information from interacting with its user. To help with the personal care of the elderly, the companion will also check in, set reminders, play quizzes, and suggest exercises.
Similar to a human carer, the robot will ask health questions twice a day and from the answers, monitor the users’ health.
The accompanying app aids the development of the doll by recording and transmitting voice messages, announcing events and keeping an eye on motion detection.
Hyodol is now successfully collecting real-time data from over 10,000 elderly individuals, which the firm uses to improve its care services.
The firm behind Hyodol believes South Korea is entering a “super-aged population” and that “the medical expenses for the elderly continue to rise.” By creating Hyodol, they hope to combat this.
Soon, the firm hopes to launch Hyodol into the European and North American markets.
Each doll will set customers back around $1,800 (£1,412).
Featuring: Yoo Chunja
When: 18 Mar 2024
Credit: Yoo Chunja/Hyodol/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH HYODOL.**