AI Toy: A Companion for the Elderly
Nowadays, one in every ten Europeans spends a significant portion of their time in solitude. The repercussions—depression, illness, and a decline in life quality—disproportionately affect the elderly. Consequently, technological solutions designed to alleviate the loneliness of senior citizens are more sought after than ever, with generative AI stepping up to the plate.
The team at Intuition Robotics (Israel) has been attempting to solve the loneliness problem among the elderly since 2016. That's when they began developing ElliQ, a companion robot tailored to the needs of the elderly.
Intuition Robotics CEO Dor Skuler was inspired to start the project following the death of his grandmother. His widowed grandfather needed a companion, but finding a suitable match was challenging due to his unique sense of humor, love for classical music, and various other specific preferences. Skuler recognized that an AI robot, capable of adapting to its owner's personal interests, could effectively fill this gap in companionship.
Seven years later, the commercial model of ElliQ was launched. The project attracted investors, thanks in part to partnerships with social care organizations. In the summer of 2023, Intuition Robotics secured a $25 million investment from the Toyota conglomerate, bringing the startup's total funding to $83 million. A large portion of this new investment was dedicated to improving ElliQ's skills.
The latest iteration, ElliQ 3, boasts a modern design, enhanced hardware, and, of course, generative artificial intelligence. This upgrade has transformed the robot into a genuine aid for lonely seniors.
It’s not just about (ElliQ’s) utility. It’s about friendship, companionship and empathy. That just did not exist anywhere,Dor Skuler remarks.
What does this human-machine friendship look like? The device, a unique hybrid of a desk lamp and a smartphone, remembers its owner's interests and engages in meaningful conversations. This customizes the interaction to suit the elderly user's needs. The communication style is tailored to each individual—some may prefer light chatter, while others may seek deeper, philosophical discussions.
ElliQ 3 can share jokes, play favorite tunes, offer motivational quotes when sensing its owner needs a lift, and even guide them on virtual tours of cities and museums.
Beyond entertainment, ElliQ 3 serves as a diligent caregiver: checking in on the seniors' well-being, reminding them to take medications, and encouraging hydration and nourishment.
Should an emergency arise, the gadget can contact the owner's family or friends, and in serious situations, reach out to healthcare providers. Arranging a casual chat if the senior wishes to talk with friends is also within this digital companion's realm.
ElliQ looks like a lamp and smartphone mix Source: elliq.com
This deep integration into personal life raises ethical questions regarding the use of companion robots. Intuition Robotics assures that the company accesses no sensitive personal information processed by ElliQ.
Skuler notes that an average user engages with ElliQ over 30 times daily, even six months post-purchase. Remarkably, 90% of users report forgetting what loneliness feels like. Currently, the robots are primarily distributed by social assistance agencies across New York, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington state. ElliQ 3 is available for purchase, with annual interaction costs at $600 plus a $250 initial setup fee. While the company hasn't disclosed the number of units sold, it aims to release 100,000 ElliQ units over the next five years.
These ambitious plans have raised concerns among psychologists specializing in elder care and the study of loneliness's adverse effects on health and mortality.
Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining regular human contacts and live interactions. Constant companionship with an AI friend might deter individuals from seeking out human interaction.
“That unpleasant feeling of loneliness should motivate us to reconnect socially,” psychologists stress.
