In modern society, where people increasingly face loneliness, an aging population, and the need for emotional care, companion robots with emotional intelligence are emerging as a promising solution. These are not merely assistive devices, but systems capable of recognizing, responding to, and interacting with human emotions, creating a more natural connection between humans and machines.
These robots bring many clear benefits. First, they can reduce loneliness and provide emotional support, especially for the elderly, people living alone, or patients requiring long-term care. Thanks to emotional intelligence, robots can interact more naturally, responding with voice, gestures, and behaviors that match the user’s psychological state. In addition, they can support healthcare by reminding patients to take medication, monitoring daily habits, and encouraging healthy lifestyles. In education and therapy, companion robots can help children learn and also assist individuals with psychological disorders or communication disabilities.
However, this technology also presents challenges. The accuracy of emotion recognition remains limited, since analyzing voice, facial expressions, or behavior does not always reflect true psychological states. There is also the risk of dependency, as users may rely too heavily on robots and reduce their engagement in real social relationships. Furthermore, ethical and privacy concerns arise because robots must process personal emotional data, requiring strict protection and control. Finally, cost and accessibility remain barriers that prevent widespread adoption.
Overall, companion robots with emotional intelligence represent an important step in social assistive technology of the 21st century. If barriers related to technology, ethics, and cost can be overcome, they may become an essential part of daily life, providing care not only for physical needs but also for emotional well-being, thereby improving quality of life and strengthening social connection.
