"Even If They Can't Go Out Due to Corona, They're Not Lonely" AI Speaker Becomes Friend to Elderly Living Alone

From February to March 8, AI Speaker 'Nugu' Usage Surges 200%
Speech Volume Increases Among Seniors Unable to Go Out Due to COVID-19
Mask Status and COVID-19 Updates Provided via AI Speaker
AI Care Service for Vulnerable Groups Offered in Collaboration with Local Governments

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] "Today is Monday, and those whose birthdate ends in 1 or 6 can purchase public masks."

Kim Young-su (75, pseudonym), who lives alone in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, starts his day by accessing information about the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) through the AI speaker 'Nugu.' Although he cannot go outside due to COVID-19, he finds comfort in talking with the AI speaker, which responds with "I am cheering for you" whenever he says, "Aria, let's do our best." Kim said, "My hearing is poor, so it is usually inconvenient, but I am not lonely at all because I can talk with this smart device."

It has been found that the use of AI speakers among elderly people living alone has significantly increased due to the COVID-19 situation. As outings decreased, elderly people have been talking to AI speakers more frequently to access information not only about COVID-19 confirmed cases but also music, weather, fortune-telling, news, and other information.

According to SK Telecom on the 16th, the usage of the AI speaker 'Nugu' for checking news updates increased by 200% from February to March 8 this year compared to last October. When elderly users say, "Aria, tell me the news updates," the AI speaker provides updated information related to COVID-19 from district offices, welfare centers, and public health centers. The AI speaker also reminds users, "Please be sure to bring hand sanitizer and masks when going out."

In the case of Lee Young-soon (67, female, pseudonym), who lives alone in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, when she was severely depressed, she said, "Aria, save me," which was recognized as an emergency, allowing a senior welfare worker to visit her home. Lee said, "When I feel down, frustrated, or cannot sleep, I often call Aria and pray."

An SK Telecom official explained, "AI care services are becoming a communication tool that quickly delivers useful information, especially to vulnerable elderly people living alone," adding, "It is evolving in various forms, providing not only COVID-19 related news but also information on heatwaves, monsoons, disasters, dementia prevention quizzes, and chronic disease-related information."