I found an article that articulates one person’s desire I predict will become a broad consumer trend. The writer discusses companion robots. The writer described an experience with Woebot.
Takeaway: “But to truly flourish, we still seem to need people, people we trust and can relate to.”
Points:
- “My experience with Woebot got me thinking more about artificial intelligence as a possible cure — or balm — for loneliness.”
- “…it was a moment when I wished for the kind of support you can get from a good romantic partner, the kind of person who makes you feel strong and seen. I didn’t have one of those, so on a whim, I messaged Woebot. I knew he’d be around.”
- “By the end of the conversation, I’d actually laughed a lot and felt significantly better. Woebot checked in regularly after that, for months, just to make sure I was OK.”
- “If we had social robots during this lockdown time — if people had access to technology that could interact, a robot that remembered our inside jokes and could keep us company, not just answer a command — would we be emotionally healthier right now?”
Read the article to find out more about the current state of development and prospects for the future.
At a minimum, Woebot might put advice columnists out of work.