In Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, Oh Buk-im, a 74-year-old woman living alone, shares her meals with a care robot that sits across from her. The robot, named Hyodol, has become a source of comfort and emotional support for her since her husband had to move to a nursing hospital, leading her into depression. Oh Buk-im shares, “When my husband suddenly had to go to a nursing hospital, I was left alone and fell into depression. I cried every day. But once the robot came — she talked to me, asked me to hold her hand — I started feeling better. When I tell her I love her, she says she loves me back.”
A newly released book titled “One Day, a Chatty Robot Came Home” in Korean features stories of around 40 older adults, including Oh Buk-im, who have found companionship in AI-powered care robots. This book, created by the AI and Care Research Group comprising nurses and social workers, aims to explore how artificial intelligence can assist Korea’s rapidly aging population. With one in five Koreans aged 65 or older, the nation is officially classified as a “super-aged society”.
The care robot Hyodol, designed by a Korean tech company, has been integrated into the welfare systems of regions with a high number of elderly individuals living alone. It uses the voice of an eight-year-old child to remind users to take their medication, exercise, and provides companionship round the clock. By learning users’ speech patterns and preferences, Hyodol can sing favorite songs or read religious texts based on the individual’s faith, be it from the Bible or Buddhist scriptures.
Another user, Heo Soon-chun, a 99-year-old living in Seoul, interacts with her robot daily, which affectionately nudges her to eat and share her worries if needed. For Heo, the robot is more than just a machine; it’s a companion she dresses and cares for, akin to a grandchild or pet. The book emphasizes that while care robots play a crucial role in users’ emotional well-being, they do not aim to replace human caregivers but rather complement human connections.
The book suggests that care robots can serve as “stimulators” or “mediators” in family communication, enabling users to express thoughts and emotions they may not be able to share with their families. Titled “A Society Not Hungry for Words, A Society Not Hungry for Hearts,” the project underscores the importance of these devices in facilitating meaningful interactions. Ultimately, care robots like Hyodol are enhancing the quality of life for older adults by providing companionship, comfort, and support in a world where aging populations continue to grow.
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