Tech AI against loneliness: Asian companies lead the charge

[thomas]

AI-powered chatbots and virtual companions can offer conversation, emotional support, and a sense of connection. Can they fight loneliness and social isolation?

This week at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, a wave of companies, from tech giants like Samsung and TCL to countless startups, are unveiling their latest companion robots. They're all convinced that advances in AI and growing social isolation will fuel a surge in demand for robotic friends. At CES Unveiled, a media preview event held on Sunday, crowds flocked to a table showcasing Ropet, a charming example of this emerging trend.

This round, fluffy robot with expressive eyes and ears that react to touch is designed to learn and adapt to its owner's unique personality. Based in China, Ropet launched their AI companion on Kickstarter in December, priced at $189. The campaign has been a resounding success, surpassing $220,000 in funding. The company has its sights set on Japan and the U.S. as its initial target markets, focusing on attracting Asian women.

"I believe East Asian women have the most potential, as they face high work pressure. We hope to sell 20,000 to 30,000 units globally next year," he added. Metapet, another Chinese startup, has developed AI pets modeled as a hamster, pufferfish and starfish, equipped with microphones that recognize aspects of human speech. Designed primarily for single young Japanese women, these AI pets monitor human moods and adapt their voices and gestures in response, according to the company. "We believe that Asians, especially women, tend to be more reserved and may have a greater need for this type of product compared to Westerners," said Metapet founder Yang Shilei, adding that the company plans to launch the products in Kickstarter and begin selling them in Japan as early as July. [...] There is a reason Japan is the targeted market for so many AI companion products. "I think that many countries do have similar issues, but social isolation is a very big issue in Japan," said a spokesperson for Mixi, a Japanese company that debuted an AI-powered emotional support robot called Romi at CES this year.

Paywall alert:

Can AI cure loneliness? These Asian companies think so

From Samsung to TCL to startups, emotional support becomes new selling point for AI

asia.nikkei.com

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[johnnyG]

So maybe build something like this into the 'life-like' silicone dolls...?

 

[Grandpa Frank]

Yes Master , Elon Musk sent me to fulfill your every desire , LOL.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

This one for sale popped up on Facebook today. If I could get one with long black hair and Japanese features , I might order 2 , LOL. Be my luck the lithium battery would explode at a bad time.

 

[mdchachi]

View attachment 123186
This one for sale popped up on Facebook today. If I could get one with long black hair and Japanese features , I might order 2 , LOL. Be my luck the lithium battery would explode at a bad time.

I can't afford to be an early adopter on this new tech. By the time I can afford it, I'll be dead or dysfunctional.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

After watching my wife load her gun with the latest hi power hollow points , I've decided I don't need one , LOL.