Robots and AI being used to help combat COVID-19 loneliness at UFV - Chilliwack Progress

Loneliness has become a real concern as the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, and it's affecting young people and the elderly more than other age groups. But imagine a robot that could interpret sounds and other cues from the elderly that could make them feel less alone, or a program on a device that could help engage isolated young people. Researchers at the University of the Fraser Valley's Community Health and Social Innovation Hub (CHASI) are embarking on a project to learn more about how these kinds of intuitive solutions can help people who are susceptible to loneliness. "We just got the funding go ahead at the start of the school year," says Dr. Martha Dow, director of CHASI. The research will roll out in stages, and will include the use of a few robots who can pick up cues from the elderly, such as sound, to help with their care.