In the early 1990s, a researcher at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology began work on what would become Paro. More than 30 years after its development, the doe-eyed seal pup remains the best-known example of a therapeutic robot for older adults. In 2011, the robot reached the zenith of pop cultural […]
Buffet’s new app tackles the loneliness epidemic by connecting people in the real world
If you’ve been feeling lonely over the past few years, you’re not alone. According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General, about half of U.S. adults reported feeling lonely, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The report warns that loneliness and isolation can lead to physical consequences, such as a 29% increased risk of […]