Köpping visits AI project to combat loneliness in old age

Can artificial intelligence help to alleviate loneliness in old age? Saxony's Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) wants to address this question on Wednesday during a visit to the model project "Kiko - Chatbot for Senior Citizens" in Zwickau. The small wooden figure combines modern AI technology with a user-friendly design and is intended to provide older people with emotional support in their everyday lives.

The Ministry of Social Affairs is funding the project via the ESF Plus "Model Projects for the Future Platform" guideline. This is an EU program that supports social innovations and projects to strengthen health, education and participation in Saxony.

According to the developers, the aim of the digital companion is to strengthen the resilience of users, promote their mental and physical health and thus reduce the need for care in the long term. Those responsible also hope for positive effects with regard to the shortage of skilled workers in the care sector.