'Emotional support robot helps combat isolation and depression'

:: Scott Paik, Mixi Inc.

 “A simple example is for a lot of people who are a bit more socially isolated, they don't have someone to really talk to. So they might go a full day without speaking. But in the morning, you go wake up and Romi will say ‘good morning’ and when you're back from work, Romi will say, ‘welcome home.’ And then you can always ask Romi questions. And unlike something like, well, a normal AI that might just answer a question, Romi will actually converse with you. So something like, Romi, I got some bananas today. ‘Wow, they look great, let's eat them together.’”

:: Brian Allen, CES Attendee

:: “The problem is scaling care, right? And if if society isn't willing to pay for it and if you can't find the people that are willing to do the work, you need an alternative. And it's a funny thing in human psychology that that AI dollar robot might be able to do the trick and fill that hole. And if if that can be done, that's a great thing. That's a win for everybody.”

Romi’s interactions aim to reduce feelings of loneliness, especially for those who might spend long periods without social contact. It greets users in the morning, welcomes them home after work, and engages in casual conversations like asking about the day’s events.

Paik says the robot has been particularly effective in nursing homes across Japan, where it has helped socially isolated seniors feel more connected.

Currently available only in Japan, Romi retails for around $570 (approximately ¥90,000) and will be sold in a new model, Romi Lacatan, starting this spring.

While there are no confirmed plans for international expansion, Mixi Inc. is conducting market research to adapt Romi for different languages and cultures. Romi won a CES 2025 innovation award in the Robotics category.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/emotional-support-robot-helps-combat-114520834.html