New York Pairs Elderly With ‘Companion Robots’ To Ease Their Loneliness

In an innovative attempt to address the growing problem of social isolation within the elderly community, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) has enlisted ‘ElliQ’, a “proactive care companion” robot, to ease feelings of loneliness and support aging-in-place.

Back in 2017, the US Surgeon General declared social isolation to be a “global epidemic,” which, as per the AARP Public Policy Institute, costs US$6.7 billion in associated Medicare costs annually. In fact, it’s been posited that the consequences of loneliness on health could be as bad as smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes per day. 

Here’s where ElliQ, designed by Intuition Robotics, comes in. Positioned as a voice-operated assistant that’s been specifically developed to help foster independence in older adults, the robot  provides daily check-ins, tracks wellness goals, and ensures older adults maintain connection to family and friends.  

According to a press release, the technology, which was recently launched commercially following years of pilot programs, has shown “unprecedented engagement levels” with the elderly, with users having an average of 20 daily interactions with their robots. It will be placed in the homes of over 800 older adults in the state.

Interestingly, and perhaps its most distinct characteristic from other robots or virtual assistants, ElliQ doesn’t wait passively to receive commands. Instead, it takes the lead, proactively suggesting activities and initiating conversations with its partner. 

Through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), the robot builds up context to create follow-up conversations that evoke a sense of friendship, while helping to support physical health and wellness by offering sleep relaxation exercises, physical activity training, nutrition-related tips, and even medication reminders. 

“We are so pleased to partner with Intuition Robotics and make ElliQ available to older adults in New York. This product does so many things to improve health, combat isolation, and improve overall well-being and independence,” said Greg Olsen, Director of NYSOFA.

“Designed with input from older adults, the future of supporting and serving older adults includes technology. The future is here. Despite misconceptions and generalizations, older adults embrace new technology, especially when they see it is designed by older adults to meet their needs,” he continued.  

“For those who experience some form of isolation and wish to age in place, ElliQ is a powerful complement to traditional forms of social interaction and support from professional or family caregivers.” 

[via Input and Intuition Robotics / PR Newswire, images via Intuition Robotics]