SEOUL — Facing a growing mental health crisis among its elderly population, South Korea has turned to an unexpected solution: “robo-grandma” dolls. Made of cotton and metal, powered by AI, these dolls feature large, smiling eyes and speak in a seven-year-old’s voice, providing companionship and comfort to older adults living alone.
According to a report published in June 2025 by the Journal of the Korean Medical Association, about 10 older adults die by suicide in South Korea every day. The country’s elderly population, those aged 65 and above, exceeds 10 million, accounting for roughly a fifth of the nation’s population.
“It’s a real crisis,” said Othelia E. Lee, professor of social work at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, who has studied social isolation among South Korea’s elderly. “One in three seniors lives alone, which fosters financial strain, profound loneliness, and feelings of being a burden—conditions directly linked to depression and suicide.”
As traditional family support structures decline, the South Korean government has partnered with tech companies like Hyodol to provide AI-powered companion robots. Hyodol dolls, standing 15 to 20 inches tall, respond to touch, provide medication reminders, send emergency alerts, and engage seniors in conversation, music, and cognitive exercises. The dolls greet their owners with phrases like, “Grandma/Grandpa, I’ve been waiting for you all day long,” helping alleviate loneliness.
Jihee Kim, CEO of Hyodol, explained, “The cute and comforting design is key to its effectiveness. Its childlike appearance builds trust with seniors, many of whom are not tech-savvy.”
As of November 2025, over 12,000 Hyodol robots had been distributed to elderly living alone through government and welfare programs, with roughly 1,000 purchased directly by families at about 1.3 million won (around $879) each.
Social workers report dramatic improvements in mental health. One worker recalled a severely depressed senior who had previously considered suicide; after receiving a Hyodol, the woman formed a strong emotional bond with the robot, reducing her feelings of hopelessness. A 2024 study by Lee found that seniors often gave their robots affectionate nicknames, bought them clothes, and tucked them in at night. Participants using Hyodol for six weeks showed reduced depression and improved cognitive scores.
However, ethical concerns remain. Some seniors may develop emotional dependency, and using a baby-like robot can risk infantilizing its users. Kim stressed that Hyodol is meant as a support tool, not a replacement for human care, noting that more independent seniors often find the dolls “noisy” or “bothersome.”
Privacy is also a consideration. Hyodol anonymizes data collected and uses voice recordings only for internal training.
Globally, AI companion devices are increasingly used to assist elderly adults with cognitive impairment. Japan’s PARO, a therapeutic baby seal robot, has proven effective for dementia patients, veterans with PTSD, and children with developmental disorders. PARO’s success lies in its nonverbal, therapy-animal design, providing comfort without verbal data collection risks.
Hyodol plans a broader international launch in 2026, adapting its AI to different cultural contexts. With the global eldercare robot market projected to reach $7.7 billion by 2030, AI-powered companions like Hyodol and PARO are likely to play an increasingly important role in supporting aging populations worldwide.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
