# Comforting AI Characters 'AI Buddy' is a Virtual Friend for Kids in Military Families By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-05-27 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-buddy References: [psfk](https://www.psfk.com/2017/05/ai-friend-helps-keep-kids-whose-parents-are-soldiers-company.html) & [aibuddyproject](http://aibuddyproject.com/) 'AI Buddy' is the name of a platform that connects kids to [virtual characters powered by artificial intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-bunny), specifically to provide support while their parents are away fulfilling their duties as a soldier. The [AI-powered support system for kids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bobo-digital-twin) has been developed by health professionals and with training from psychologists and pediatricians, making it possible for kids to periodically receive messages that ask about how they are doing, as well as tools for homework help and aids for sleep. The system is set up in such a way so that a dedicated caregiver is able to review the insights collected by the AI Buddy, giving them a better sense of how a child is feeling. Since AI Buddy is designed for kids in military families, it is also equipped to help kids cope with the loss of a parent who has lost their life. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Virtual Support Systems:** The development of AI-powered platforms connecting kids to virtual characters provides personalized support and assistance. - **Emotional Well-being AI:** AI technology integrated with psychology and pediatric training offers emotional support and tools for children's mental health. - **AI for Coping and Grief:** AI Buddy provides tools and resources to help children in military families cope with the loss of a parent. ### Where This Applies - **Healthcare:** AI Buddy demonstrates the application of AI technology in mental healthcare to provide emotional support for children. - **Education:** The integration of AI technology provides children with personalized homework help and aids for sleep, advancing educational support systems. - **Military and Defense:** AI Buddy caters specifically to children in military families, offering support to those affected by the absence or loss of a parent in the military. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Award-Winning AI-Enhanced Interactive Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-companion.md) - [AI Emotional Interface Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/feelbot.md) - [AI Kids Companion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toontalk.md) - [AI Pet Care Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-pet-care.md) - [AI-Powered Caregiver Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aiwatchfulcompanion.md) - [Loneliness-Combating AI Teddy Bears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-friend-chatbot.md) - [AI Santa Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/santaai.md) - [Emotional AI Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/giddygiddy.md) - [Emotive AI Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ourobot.md)