https://www.cnet.com/news/a-robot-i-met-at-ces-2019-showed-me-a-future-where-were-not-so-lonely/

Japan isn't the only country struggling with loneliness. In a nationwide survey of 20,000 Americans last year, almost 50 percent said they feel alone or left out always or sometimes. It's a serious issue; loneliness and social isolation are better predictors than obesity of early death.

On hearing Hayashi's plans during my visit to Tokyo, I felt more than a little skeptical that a robot could truly cure loneliness. But I was also intrigued to see what such a robot would look like and whether it could live up to its promise.