BOTS -SENIORS- BOND : PRIME PRECIS

SOUTH KOREA : In some ways, Mr. Ok noted A.I. makes a superior caregiver. It has a vast memory [recently asking Ms. Chung about her post-surgery recovery] and an infinite well of patience.

'' A.I. has no emotions, so it never gets angry,'' he said. '' But,'' he admitted, '' it still lacks the human ability to read the room.''

The technology has other quirks. Talking Buddy can be thrown off by a blaring television, a common fixture in many seniors' homes. All interactions are monitored by human social workers to iron out missteps.

The service is subscription based, with social workers encouraging seniors - particularly those living alone to enroll. The bot is programmed to prompt seniors to maintain healthy habits, such as eating and sleeping well, exercising and socializing more.

Additionally, local hospitals use Talking Buddy to remind older patients to take their medication on schedule.

Recently, when a senior reported discomfort from a fractured rib, the monitoring social worker's screen flagged the alert '' pain around the chest '' in red.

These alerts prompt social workers to review the transcript and audit file, call the senior directly, and, if necessary, coordinate with local officials to intervene.

!WOW! thanks Choe Sang-Hun.