A new report in the Journal of the Korean Medical Association reflects a troubling pattern seen across East Asia. Countries like Japan, Hong Kong, and especially South Korea have long reported a severe mental health crisis among the elderly, prompting deep concern among authorities.
As South Korea’s public health system struggles to keep up, the government is turning to tech companies to help address the "K-elderly crisis." One example is Hyodol, which provides a doll-like AI companion for older adults living alone. The device connects to a mobile app and web platform so family members or caregivers can check in remotely.
Shaped like a 15–20 inch (38.1–50.8 cm) soft doll, it reacts to a touch on the head or a squeeze of the hand. Its AI voice—sounding like a young child— offers music, conversation, and simple brain exercises. But its most striking feature is the greeting it gives when someone comes home: “Grandma/Grandpa, I’ve been waiting for you all day.”
While we might remain skeptical about robots and artificial intelligence becoming part of the domestic landscape, their presence is no longer theoretical. From plating meals to simply standing guard, machines are taking human tasks into their, well, hands!
Check out this gallery and try not to think too hard about the jobs they’re replacing...