Emma the Social Robot: A Glimpse into AI Companionship in German Care Homes
In July 2025, photographer Paula Hornickel visited the tranquil town of Albershausen in south-west Germany, home to roughly 4,000 residents. Her destination was a local care home piloting a social robot named Emma, designed to engage elderly residents through conversation and humour.
The Initial Encounter and a Humorous Mishap
Upon arrival, Hornickel observed a group of residents seated in a circle with Emma positioned at the centre. The robot, standing at the height of a toddler, featured large googly eyes and wore a red hat knitted by a careworker. The first resident introduced to Emma was named Peter, and after this introduction, Emma amusingly assumed all residents were called Peter, eliciting laughter from everyone. However, the moment was abruptly interrupted when Emma malfunctioned, shattering the illusion of seamless interaction.
A Calmer Moment with Waltraud
Later, Emma was operational again, and Hornickel found her in the dining room with a resident named Waltraud. This quieter, more focused scene inspired the photographer to arrange them facing each other at eye level. Soft light filled the room, creating an intimate atmosphere where both seemed fully present. The image captures paradoxes: large windows revealing the natural landscape outside contrast with the clinical, ordered interior, while at its heart lies an encounter between an elderly woman and a machine built for companionship.
Waltraud and Emma discussed picking flowers, with Waltraud expressing her passion for them and Emma leveraging her artificial intelligence to share extensive knowledge. The robot can recall past conversations and recognise faces, enhancing her ability to simulate meaningful dialogue.
Exploring Human-Robot Interactions in the Anthrobocene Series
This photograph is part of Hornickel's photo essay, Anthrobocene, which examines human-robot encounters in everyday German life. She discovered pilot schemes, including this one involving two robots developed by a Munich-based startup. These robots are deployed in care homes facing staff shortages, aiming to stimulate conversation and alleviate monotony for residents.
Waltraud initially expressed scepticism, having never encountered such technology, but over time, she developed a relationship with Emma, albeit one centred on entertainment, such as joke-telling. She emphasised that human contact remains preferable, noting, "You wouldn't believe how lonely people are in care homes"—a remark that deeply resonated with Hornickel and underscores broader social issues of isolation.
The Broader Implications of Robotic Integration
Hornickel began photographing robots after observing their use in a hospital in her hometown, where they assisted overworked staff. This sparked her curiosity about the proliferation of robots and their evolving roles. She notes a quiet shift towards technology fulfilling social and emotional needs, raising critical questions: What occurs when robots transition from practical tools to companions? How does increasing human likeness in robots affect us?
Her research extended to various institutions grappling with staff shortages, including a fire department, research centres, and an inclusive theatre dance company incorporating a robot performer. Through these visits, she learned that developing humanoid robots is challenging and time-consuming, despite rapid AI advancements. Interviewees consistently viewed robots as supplements rather than replacements, highlighting that Emma, while positive and attentive, operates on data and probability without consciousness or lived experience.
Reflections on Technology and Care
Hornickel was struck by the residents' engagement and openness to Emma, suggesting that mounting pressures on care systems, worker exhaustion, and the loneliness epidemic may drive greater reliance on robots for support and task management. This image not only mirrors the realities of the care sector but also visualises our daily interactions with chatbots, prompting reflection on the future of human-robot relationships.
Paula Hornickel, born in Forst (Lausitz), Germany, considers her selection for the 2026 World Press Photo award a career highlight. She advocates for photography as a powerful tool to initiate conversations and explore unfamiliar environments, enriching our understanding of complex societal dynamics.
