The product is mainly aimed at single people and those aged over 60 – a “colossal market” in China of about 120 and 320 million respectively, according to Tam.
“These people have a great need for companionship,” he said.
UBTech says it has already had more than 13,300 pre-orders, with deliveries due to start in September.
“NICHE MARKET”
Robotics is a booming sector worldwide, and Chinese startups have raced ahead in recent years, helped in part by their access to the country’s existing supply chains.
The basic U1 can move its head, eyes and mouth, and has a battery life of up to four hours – but it doesn’t do housework or cooking, and its skills do not extend to the bedroom either.
It is not designed to offer intimate relations, at least “for now”, UBTech says.
But it can discuss users’ daily concerns, remind them to take medication and help spot potential health problems, or even propose watching a World Cup match together.
Generative AI is also being deployed elsewhere in an effort to ease loneliness, especially among elderly populations.
In South Korea, cuddly ChatGPT-powered dolls are used in some care homes, while a lamp-like AI device called ElliQ offers similar companionship and safety-monitoring services.
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