Researchers turn to AI companions to combat loneliness episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 17, 2026 · 9 MIN

Researchers turn to AI companions to combat loneliness

from Saturday Extra - Separate stories podcast · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 17, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

Researchers turn to AI companions to combat loneliness

0:00 9:30

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Saturday Extra - Separate stories podcast?

This episode is 9 minutes long.

When was this Saturday Extra - Separate stories podcast episode published?

This episode was published on July 17, 2026.

Can I download this Saturday Extra - Separate stories podcast episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!