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Blake, Wm. The Book of Los, object 1. 1795.

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In South Korea, local governments are deploying thousands of AI robot dolls to seniors and dementia patients to address a loneliness epidemic.

The dolls, developed by a Korean-based company, have a mobile communication module, processor, various sensors, and speakers. They are powered by large language model-based AI and can hold full conversations, including reminding users to take their medication.

Remarkably, the robots appear to be effective, with one study involving 9,000 seniors finding that depression levels were reduced and medicine intake improved.

Aside from motion detection, other features include touch interaction, 24-hour voice reminders, check-ins, voice messages, a health coach, quizzes, exercise, and music.

The technology comes at a time when South Korea is battling the phenomenon of “godoksa,” or “lonely deaths.” Thousands of elderly people die alone each year, exacerbated by the country’s lowest-recorded birth rate.