Social Robots: The Friend of the Future or Mechanical Mistake?

Isolation can manifest anywhere a person chooses to age. It is detrimental to mental health and is compared to smoking cigarettes and obesity [1]. While interaction with another human being is preferable, sometimes, individuals are not able to do this. Older adults who live far from their families, individuals inside assisted living facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and individuals who have a limited social circle due to retirement or loss of friends may all feel isolated [2]. Cognitive decline can cause isolation in older adults as well [3]. Social robotics is poised to impact society by addressing isolation and providing companionship for these individuals by augmenting human interaction when none is available.