Healing Doll This Japanese robotic doll, Yumel, is purchased not only for children but also for the elderly, for social and therapeutic purposes. Owners cuddle with and talk to these dolls, which have a vocabulary of 1200 phrases, sing lullabies, and can even be programmed to sleep or wake up at the same time as their owners, saying “good morning” or inviting the elderly to go to sleep, as the doll’s eyes close. Interacting with dolls such as these may affect an owner’s brain chemistry and slow down neurocognitive disorder.

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