Last Updated on March 12, 2024 9:56 am by Laszlo Szabo / NowadAIs | Published on March 12, 2024 by Laszlo Szabo / NowadAIs
AI Powered Dolls Watch Elderly in South Korea – Always – Key Notes
- Introduction of an AI companion doll for elderly loneliness in South Korea.
- Doll named Hyodol showcased at Mobile World Congress, priced at $1800.
- Features include conversation capability, medication reminders, and motion detection.
- Plans for expansion into European and North American markets by 2024.
- Positive impact on loneliness and depression among users highlighted.
Seniors in Need of AI Powered Dolls
A Korean company has introduced an AI companion doll for the elderly in South Korea in an effort to address the issue of loneliness.
This $1800 robot doll, called Hyodol, was unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in February and aims to provide emotional support to seniors throughout their day.
Despite its slightly eerie appearance, the doll is equipped with a mobile communication module, processor, sensors, and speakers. Powered by advanced language-based Artificial Intelligence, it is capable of engaging in full conversations and can even remind users to take their medication.
For safety, it has motion detection features that alert caregivers if no movement is detected for a period of time.
What’s Behind Hydol’s AI Powered Dolls?
In an interview with Aju Korea Daily, Hyodol’s CEO Kim Ji-hee expressed the company’s excitement about the global recognition and plans to launch the robot in European and North American markets in the second half of 2024.
The rapid aging of South Korea’s population has led to local governments embracing the Hyodol robot as a solution to assist the elderly. It has already been deployed to 7,000 seniors living alone and is being used with dementia patients at a university hospital. While the idea of using a doll to combat loneliness may seem strange, South Korea is facing serious population issues due to its aging citizens, low birth rate, and increasing life expectancy.
This demographic shift has put pressure on the country’s care sector, workforce, and health and pension systems.
Through research and data collection, the AI robot doll company has determined the positive impact it can have on those in need of companionship.
In one study with over 9,000 users, depression levels decreased from 5.73 to 3.14 and there was an improvement in medication intake. The doll also offers features such as touch interaction, 24-hour voice reminders, check-ins, voice messages, a health coach, quizzes, exercise, and music. Caregivers also have access to the application and can send and receive voice messages, make group announcements, and monitor motion detection.
Definitions
- Hyodol: An AI companion doll designed to provide emotional support and companionship to the elderly, featuring conversation and health reminder capabilities.
- Mobile World Congress: An annual trade show dedicated to the mobile communication industry, showcasing the latest in technology and innovation.
- Elderly dementia: A term referring to a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, often seen in the elderly population.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of AI-powered dolls like Hyodol?
- To provide companionship and emotional support to the elderly, helping alleviate loneliness and improve overall well-being.
- How do AI-powered dolls assist those with dementia?
- By engaging in conversations, reminding users to take medication, and providing a sense of presence to reduce feelings of isolation.
- What makes Hyodol different from other companion robots?
- Its focus on elderly care, comprehensive features designed for health monitoring, and plans for global expansion.
- Can Hyodol detect emergencies or health issues?
- Yes, through motion detection features that alert caregivers if no movement is detected over a period.
- What has been the impact of Hyodol on its users?
- Studies have shown a decrease in depression levels and improvement in medication intake among users.
