Mind Children showcases social robot aimed at companionship

Mind Children showcased Codey, a humanoid robot prototype designed for social interaction, at a technology conference Thursday at Stanford University. The company hopes to introduce the technology into health care settings by 2027, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

The company sees potential for Codey to provide companionship and engagement for people who live alone or remain at home as they age. Those benefits remain proposed: ABC7 Los Angeles reported no evidence that the prototype has reduced loneliness.

Codey was developed to interact with people rather than perform physical work, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. Its intended functions center on conversation, learning and relationship-building.

Mind Children CEO Chris Kudla said development began about three years ago. The robot's smaller frame and lifelike facial features are intended to make people feel comfortable approaching it, according to the report.

Recent updates have added games, including hide-and-seek and Pictionary. The company has identified schools, elderly care facilities and health care environments as possible settings for the technology.

Codey is still a prototype, and Mind Children has developed only one robot of its kind so far, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. The company's 2027 goal concerns bringing the technology into health care settings, not a confirmed deployment.

Kudla said the company ultimately wants to move beyond care facilities and into homes. He described supporting cognitive activity and engagement as a goal for people living independently.

For now, Codey's role as a companion remains an ambition rather than a demonstrated remedy for loneliness.