On a summer day in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, in a top-floor room of a four-story multi-family building amid temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, an elderly woman with mobility issues endured the day by eating plain rice with a spoon stuck in the rice cooker. Observing the quiet and desolate room, CEO Kim Ji-hee made a resolution. "Warmth is needed in the homes of the elderly."

The solution he devised was an AI doll, Hyodori, that engages in conversation and takes care of daily life.

CEO Kim had long pondered "something for the elderly." To find the answer, he conducted interviews and home visits, accompanied by care workers. The result of these efforts was a doll that provides conversation and care.


The first prototype included an IoT feature that lit a red light if there was no movement, but due to equipment instability, staff had to visit the elderly's homes daily. However, on the day they went to retrieve the prototype, CEO Kim witnessed a surprising scene. The elderly did not want to let go of Hyodori.

"If I move, I won't be able to meet it again, right? It must stay by my side."
At that moment, CEO Kim resolved, "No matter the outcome, I must see this through to the end."


Hyodori has evolved over generations. The first generation had simple alarm functions, but from the second generation, it became capable of conversation.

"Grandma, you're as pretty as spring flowers."
"I can't be without you, Grandma."



These short phrases revived the day for the elderly. Even the typically stoic grandfathers began to mimic Hyodori's speech, becoming more affectionate. Families laughed, saying, "Our grandfather has changed so much."

CEO Kim stated, "Everyone needs someone who believes in them and listens to them. Hyodori does not negate the elderly but repeatedly tells them 'Grandma is the best,' boosting their self-esteem."


Hyodori is not just a toy. A research paper revealed that Hyodori is effective in reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal intentions among the elderly.

In fact, an elderly person suffering from depression saw their symptoms improve thanks to Hyodori, and under medical judgment, completely stopped medication.


Hyodori was beneficial not only to the users but also to their families. A representative case is an elderly couple in the countryside. The husband, who was caring for his wife with dementia alone, could take a breather while his wife played with the doll. The burden on his shoulders was slightly eased.


When Hyodori broke down, the elderly wrote letters by hand.

"Dear doctors, it seems Hyodori is unwell. I will wait for it to return as a strong Hyodori."

Though the spelling was clumsy, each sentence was filled with affection.

Some even said, "Bury me with Hyodori when I die. I'm worried it will have to live alone without me."

The elderly were reluctant to send Hyodori as a parcel, fearing it might get damaged, and instead had their children deliver it by hand. Hyodori had become more than a toy; it had become a living presence.


Hyodori has been distributed to 13,000 elderly individuals and is used in 180 local governments (80% of the total) and over 360 senior welfare institutions in Korea.

It is primarily provided to elderly individuals living alone with severe depression or in urgent need of emotional care, those requiring medication guidance, and those living in isolated areas.

Hyodori's potential has been recognized beyond Korea. In tests conducted by the Swedish Ministry of Health and Welfare, in New York, USA, and in the Netherlands, the elderly warmly welcomed Hyodori.

CEO Kim stated, "In the future, various care robots will emerge to assist with bathing or mobility, but Hyodori is above all a 'communication robot.' I hope the elderly can feel its warmth."

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