Elderly New Yorkers are given companion robots: how they work

Feelings of loneliness and social isolation are familiar to many. To adapt people who find it more difficult to socialize with age, a robot named ElliQ was introduced in the United States. Using artificial intelligence and built-in sensors, ElliQ keeps users entertained and healthy. In some US states, in particular in New York, they began to provide such robots to those in need, reports Voice of America.

-ElliQ, can I invite you for coffee?

-With pleasure.

David Kelly drinks morning coffee with ElliQ robot.

-Where do we want to go in the virtual world?

-In Paris.

Every morning, ElliQ takes David on a virtual tour of cafes around the world. A companion robot was given to him by his real-life companion, Greg Alan.

“At first I was a little gift fanatic,” David admits. “But now I can’t imagine myself without him.”

ElliQ is a representative of a new class of robots with artificial intelligence, built-in sensors and voice control. According to experts, over time, such robots will become an important part of the lives of older people.

Andra Kay, Silicon Valley Robotics, says: “We are finally seeing robots that ordinary people can use in the real world.”

On the subject: Lonely old people in New York will be sent robots to communicate

While chatting sweetly over coffee, the robot conducts a daily health assessment. ElliQ helps David train his brain with puzzles, among other things.

Dor Skuller, CEO of Intuition Robotics, is confident: “Artificial intelligence really benefits people. He must show empathy. Our customers do not treat ElliQ as a thing or a product. They call him a companion, a roommate, an integral part of their life.”