Tutu

Tackling loneliness, confusion, and digital vulnerability among older adults

Loneliness and social isolation are among the most significant challenges facing older adults today, deeply affecting their mental and physical health, sense of independence, and overall quality of life. As the global population continues to age, with those aged 65 and over expected to triple by 2100, these issues are becoming increasingly urgent. During our research, we also identified a related but often overlooked problem: the emotional distress caused by fraudulent phone calls. Many older adults are regularly targeted by scams, leaving them not only financially at risk but also shaken, confused, and anxious about who or what they can trust. This constant digital pressure can lead to cognitive overwhelm and a growing sense of insecurity in daily life, especially when technology feels more like a source of stress than support.

Tutu: Stay calm, feel secure, and independent

Tutu is a soft, AI-powered companion created to help older adults remain calm and confident during moments of anxiety, confusion, or distress. Using a combination of heart rate monitoring, gentle haptics, voice interaction, and emotional AI, Tutu detects spikes in anxiety, such as those triggered by a suspicious phone call, and proactively checks in with the user. Through a friendly voice, it asks if the person is okay and offers step-by-step guidance when something feels wrong. If users are unsure about the legitimacy of a phone call, they can double-check with Tutu, which helps them decide how to respond safely and calmly. Beyond reactive support, Tutu also serves as a comforting presence during moments of loneliness or cognitive overload, helping older adults feel reassured and emotionally supported in an increasingly complex digital world.

Building trust and emotional resilience through technology

Tutu aims to create a bridge between human warmth and intelligent technology. Its design encourages emotional resilience by showing that technology can care, comfort, and empower rather than overwhelm. Older adults can interact with Tutu whenever they feel uncertain or isolated, allowing them to regain a sense of control and connection. By combining tactile softness with responsive AI, Tutu turns digital interaction into an emotionally supportive experience, one that restores trust in technology and helps users feel safe in their own homes. Ultimately, Tutu reimagines the role of AI in everyday life: not as a distant system of automation, but as a companion that understands emotion, provides reassurance, and fosters independence and dignity for older generations.