Are you lonely? It’s time to get you a Fribo!

Lonely people are apparently increasing in number in the US and other developed nations. Research suggests that loneliness and isolation are unhealthy, both physically and mentally. This  will eventually result in a dull society and hence leaves the door open to find a solution.

Researchers in Korea have come up with a prototype robot named "Fribo" which motivates young people to call and text one and other. Unlike other robots, Fribo isn't designed to be intrinsically social but instead acts as an agent to help spark communication among its users. They call this "virtual-living-space" that helps individuals who are isolated to come together.

Fribo's algorithm works by listening to activities at ones home and then encouraging its' users to communicate with each other using chat apps.  It uses its high quality microphone and sensors to identify domestic activities like for example when someone visits home, uses an appliance etc. This information is shared anonymously with the rest of its users, by saying something like "Oho! Your friend opened the front door. Did someone just come home?"

After this, anyone who viewed this message can then respond to it by either texting in the group chat or by tapping twice near their Fribo, which then will be recognized by Fribo as an automated reply asking "What are you doing?" Fribo is also equipped with other gestures like clapping, which will allow users to send automated messages across the Fribo community.