Researchers Turn to AI Companions to Combat Loneliness
ABC News
ENRICHED
Details
- Date Published
- 17 July 2026
- Priority Score
- 2
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 18 July 2026, 12:00 am
Description
In a project that goes to the heart of how our human relationship with machines is being completely overhauled, researchers at the University of New South Wales are developing an AI companion to address loneliness.
The companion is being developed with Chinese students as well as the elderly — two groups that are very susceptible to loneliness.
It may sound a bit dystopic, but trials are so far proving hopeful.
Summary
University of New South Wales researchers are developing specialized AI companions to mitigate loneliness among vulnerable populations, specifically elderly individuals and international Chinese students. The project explores the psychological and social implications of human-machine relationships and how affective computing can support mental health. While focused on beneficial social applications, the research highlights the rapid evolution of AI emotional intelligence and the ethical considerations of delegating human social needs to automated systems. This development contributes to the broader discussion on the societal integration of frontier AI and the governance of empathetic AI interactions.
Body
In a project that goes to the heart of how our human relationship with machines is being completely overhauled, researchers at the University of New South Wales are developing an AI companion to address loneliness.The companion is being developed with Chinese students as well as the elderly — two groups that are very susceptible to loneliness. It may sound a bit dystopic, but trials are so far proving hopeful.Guest: Scientia Professor Jill Bennett, director of the Big Anxiety Research Centre and leader of the University of New South Wales AI-companion research program.CreditsNicole Curby, ProducerImage DetailsDigital AI characters Tom and Mia were created by UNSW researchers with Chinese international students to support wellbeing through an AI companion tool.(UNSW Sydney)Program:More from Saturday ExtraSydney, AI Appears In Andy Burnham gets ready to lead the UKDuration: 1 hour 16 minutes 26 seconds1h 16m6itemsIn this episode1 of 6Andy Burnham wins the Labour leadership contestDuration: 10 minutes 14 seconds10m 2 of 6The bumpy road to the US midtermsDuration: 11 minutes 10 seconds11m 3 of 6Were there warning signs before the Christchurch terror attack?Duration: 17 minutes 42 seconds17m 4 of 6PlayingResearchers turn to AI companions to combat lonelinessDuration: 9 minutes 30 seconds9m 5 of 6Has the FIFA World Cup been a success or a failure? Duration: 12 minutes 34 seconds12m 6 of 6Is this the golden age of Australian horror films?Duration: 11 minutes 49 seconds11m