A recent report by researchers from Auckland, Duke, and Cornell Universities highlights the potential of AI-enhanced companion robots in addressing the growing loneliness epidemic. Published in the July 12 issue of Science Robotics, the report emphasizes the need for stakeholders, including governments, policymakers, technologists, and clinicians, to collaborate and develop trust, agency, engagement, and real-world efficacy guidelines. With loneliness and social isolation affecting a significant portion of the global population and leading to adverse health consequences, such as mental illness, obesity, dementia, and early death, the report suggests that companion robots could provide a solution for millions of isolated individuals who lack social connections.
According to the Survey Center on American Life, the number of Americans without close friends has quadrupled since 1990. Loneliness and social isolation are estimated to impact approximately one-third of the world population and are associated with severe health risks. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., stated that loneliness could be as detrimental to health as smoking cigarettes. While making new friends as an adult becomes increasingly challenging, developing companion robots to support socially isolated older adults offers a promising solution.
The potential of AI-enhanced companion robots
The report highlights the exciting opportunities presented by AI in giving companion robots enhanced social skills to foster connections. Elizabeth Broadbent, Ph.D., professor of Psychological Medicine at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, emphasizes the importance of building moral and trustworthy rules in the design of these robots. Companion robots like ElliQ have already demonstrated their ability to reduce stress and loneliness while helping older individuals maintain an active and healthy lifestyle in their homes. Newer generations of robots, embedded with advanced AI programs, hold the potential to establish even stronger social connections with humans. For instance, generative AI models, such as ChatGPT, enable robots to engage in spontaneous conversations and mimic the voices of deceased loved ones, further enhancing companionship.
Physicians’ perspective and measuring impact
The authors point out that a Sermo survey of 307 care providers across Europe and the United States revealed that 69% of physicians believe that social robots can provide companionship, alleviate isolation, and improve patients’ mental health. Additionally, 70% of doctors agree that insurance companies should cover the cost of companion robots if they are effective friendship supplements. However, measuring the impact of companion robots remains a challenge. The report emphasizes the need to develop patient-rated outcome measures to address this issue. The authors are developing the “Companion Robot Impact Scale” (Co-Bot-I-7) to evaluate the impact of companion robots on physical health and loneliness. Early results from studies, such as those conducted by Professor Broadbent’s lab, indicate that friendly androids can reduce stress and promote skin healing.
Guidelines for a healthier society
The report concludes by stating that, with appropriate ethical guidelines, robots can create a healthier society. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to ensure the development of companion robots that are trustworthy and effective in addressing social isolation. By prioritizing social connectedness and eldercare, companion robots could serve as a viable solution for combating the loneliness epidemic and improving the well-being of isolated individuals.
The use of AI-enhanced companion robots can potentially alleviate the growing loneliness epidemic. With loneliness and social isolation affecting a significant portion of the global population and leading to severe health consequences, developing guidelines for trust, agency, engagement, and real-world efficacy is crucial. Physicians and researchers acknowledge the potential of companion robots to provide companionship, relieve isolation, and improve mental health. However, measuring the impact of these robots remains a challenge. The development of patient-rated outcome measures, such as the Co-Bot-I-7 scale, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of companion robots in reducing loneliness and improving physical health. With the right ethical considerations and guidelines, companion robots can play a pivotal role in creating a healthier and more connected society.
