Companion Robots Reduce Loneliness in Care Homes by 60%

A landmark study published in The Lancet has found that AI companion robots reduced loneliness among care home residents by 60% and decreased symptoms of depression by 45%. The study followed 5,000 residents across 200 care homes in the UK, US, and Japan over two years. The robots — called 'Joy' — can hold conversations, play games, remind residents to take medication, and even facilitate video calls with family members. 'My Joy knows I love talking about my garden,' said 89-year-old resident Dorothy Parsons. 'She asks me about my roses every morning. It's like having a friend who never forgets.' Researchers emphasize the robots are designed to complement, not replace, human care. 'The robots handle routine social interaction, freeing up staff to provide more meaningful one-on-one time,' explained lead researcher Dr. Yuki Tanaka. Fifteen countries have now begun subsidizing the robots for care homes.