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A child can feel real sadness when a robot they love breaks or is retired. Take that feeling seriously, explain plainly what happened to the machine, and let the child decide whether to talk about it or say goodbye. The robot has stopped working; it has not died as a living being. There is no established robot-specific grief timeline or treatment, so respond to the child in front of you rather than assuming how they should feel.
Why a child may grieve a robot
Children can attach emotional meaning to a social robot and describe it as a friend or family member. A study of families whose social robot had been retired found such descriptions and signs that the robot’s continued presence mattered to some households. It does not show that every child forms this kind of bond, or establish how children respond when a robot is lost.
That distinction matters: acknowledging an attachment does not require pretending the machine is alive. In a 2022 ethics analysis, Constantinescu, Uszkai, Vică, and Voinea recommend “responsible design that avoids positioning the robot companion as the equivalent of a human companion, for instance by avoiding situations when the robot reciprocates affection as if it were a true friend”. This is a design recommendation, not a prediction about an individual child’s grief. Read the authors’ analysis.
First, work out what happened to the robot
A robot being out of reach for a few days is different from one that cannot be repaired. An AI companion that changes or disappears is different again: it is a software experience, not a physical robot. Be clear about which situation applies, and do not promise a return unless you have a sound reason to expect one.
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- Temporarily unavailable: Explain where it is and what you know about when it may be available again. If the timing is uncertain, say so.
- Broken or retired: Explain whether repair is possible. If it cannot be fixed or will not return, say that directly rather than describing it as asleep or away.
- AI companion changed or removed: Explain that the service or software changed. Do not describe this as the same thing as a physical robot breaking.
Research on retired social robots concerns families’ engagement with a physical robot. A 2026 study in Nature Human Behaviour examined adults’ reactions to changes in AI companions, analyzing 54,861 social-media posts and surveying 1,452 participants. It reported more loss framing and desire for restoration after disruptive changes. Because those participants were adults and the companions were AI, the results do not predict how a child will respond to a physical robot. See the study.
What to say when a robot is broken for good
Start by asking what the child thinks happened and what they miss. Listen before explaining, and follow their lead. They may feel sad, angry, curious, amused, or little at all; do not assign a reaction to them or ridicule their attachment.
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Use simple, accurate words. For example: “The robot’s parts stopped working, and the repair shop says it cannot be fixed.” If you do not know whether repair is possible, say that you do not know yet. Avoid “it went to sleep,” “it went away,” or “it will come back” when those statements are not true; they can blur the difference between a machine stopping and a living being dying.
You can also reassure the child that they did not cause a mechanical breakdown by loving, playing with, or neglecting the robot—unless there is a specific, factual reason that needs an explanation. This reassurance adapts pediatric guidance about children not being to blame for a death; it is not a finding from a study of robot loss. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises clear, age-appropriate explanations when children encounter death. Read its guidance.
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Let the child choose whether to say goodbye
Offer a small way to remember the robot, but do not make it compulsory. The child might draw a favorite moment, keep a photo, or join a brief family ritual. They might also prefer not to do anything. Pediatric guidance for pet loss recommends following the child’s wishes and suggests memorials or rituals; applying that advice to a robot is a practical analogy, not a tested robot-specific intervention. See the AAP’s pet-loss advice.
Do not rush to replace the robot to make the sadness disappear. A new device is a different experience, not the same friend returned. If the child later wants another robot, discuss that separately from the goodbye and be honest about what a new device can and cannot do.
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When to seek extra support
There is no established clinical protocol, standard timeline, or long-term outcome data for children whose robot companion breaks or is retired. Human and pet bereavement guidance can offer careful communication principles, but it is not a robot-specific treatment plan.
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Contact your child’s pediatrician if distress is severe or persistent, or if you notice ongoing sleep problems, anxiety, or depression. Treat self-harm or suicidal talk as urgent and seek immediate help for the child’s safety. These are general pediatric warning signs, not robot-specific thresholds. A child who appears calm may still have feelings they have not expressed; keep the conversation open without pressing them to perform grief. The AAP offers guidance on childhood grief.
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- 【EVERY INTERACTION BRINGS A NEW SURPRISE】 Touch Eilik and discover playful reactions that bring your little robot friend to life. Whether you’re giving Eilik a gentle touch, picking Eilik up, or playing together, Eilik responds with expressive animations, charming expressions, and playful reactions. Every interaction reveals more of Eilik’s personality and makes your little companion feel even more special.
- 【READY FOR LITTLE MOMENTS, RIGHT AWAY】 Eilik is ready to interact right out of the box – no complicated setup required. A simple touch is all it takes, and Eilik responds with expressive animations and charming reactions. Easy, intuitive, and full of little surprises that make every moment special.
- 【EVEN MORE FUN TOGETHER】 Every Eilik has its own charm. Bring two or more Eiliks together and watch them interact in their own playful ways – they play, dance, tease each other, and create fun moments together. Whether with friends, family, or as a couple, more Eiliks mean even more ways to play and enjoy.
- 【MORE POSSIBILITIES AWAIT】 Eilik is more than a little robot – it’s the beginning of a bigger world filled with new experiences. Expand your Eilik experience with AI Station for natural AI conversations and Panxer for exciting adventures. Regular updates also bring new animations, games, and surprises along the way.（AI Station and Panxer sold separately.）
Optional resources for talking with a child
General bereavement materials may help a caregiver find age-appropriate conversation starters or activities, but they have not been established as treatments for robot loss. The American Academy of Pediatrics lists books for different ages in its pet-loss guidance. Child Bereavement UK also offers A Child’s Grief, an adult-facing guide with conversation advice and activities, and activity books and resources for bereaved children. Check availability and shipping directly with the organization.
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