Robots or androids who serve as friends or companions to humans have long been a staple of science fiction, but are we nearing that reality?
With seniors on the front lines of a so-called loneliness epidemic, both care providers and tech startups are looking for solutions, and that may include looking towards artificial intelligence.
A new study suggests AI is a solution for socially isolated persons, and aims to provide metrics for determining whether such AI is actually helping someone, a “Companion Robot Impact Scale.”
The study, conducted by researchers at Auckland, Cornell and Duke Universities, also discusses ethical considerations for using robots that clinicians, developers, and even governments should consider.
Social isolation has been linked to an increased risk for dementia or early death, McKnight’s recently reported.
And seniors themselves are at a greater risk for loneliness, with nearly 25% of those age 65 and over considered socially isolated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Conversely, “finding a purpose” can mitigate physical health effects among seniors, and the senior living industry has recently played up the socialization benefits of assisted living communities.
Companion AI, such as robo-pets or chatbots, are not new, per se, but their capabilities continue to become more sophisticated, including the ability to mimic peoples’ friends and family, even those who are deceased.
Some new robots, which are made to look more humanoid, have the ability to serve as practical aids, such as a new model in development that can lift its own weight and could help transfer seniors.
Even robots that serve as security or cleaning aids at senior living facilities engender affinity from residents, McKnight’s has reported.
However, the best solution to alleviating loneliness remains finding human friends, the researchers note.
