Can AI cure loneliness? South Korea’s robot companions for seniors

Al Jazeera reports on Hyodol, a real AI companion robot developed in South Korea and already given to about 15,000 older adults by local governments. The doll-like robot speaks like a grandchild, reminds users to take medicine, eat, and walk, and can call carers in an emergency through a central monitoring system. The piece also covers attachment among seniors, planned depression screening, and concerns about privacy and whether robots can replace human care.