Powered by AI, ElliQ is a voice-operated robotic care companion designed to foster independence and support older adults.
About a quarter of adults 65 and older are considered socially isolated, putting them at increased risk for a variety of health conditions, from dementia to heart disease and stroke.Many people do not have family and friends who live nearby or visit frequently; the number of skilled nursing staff is Can’t keep up with demand As the U.S. population ages.
Responding to Needs, New York State Office of Aging announced Wednesday it is working with Intuitive Robot Bringing an AI robotic care companion into the homes of 800 seniors as part of the state’s efforts to combat social isolation and support aging. NYSOFA is working with local seniors offices and other partners to identify seniors who will most benefit from ElliQ by Intuition Robotics, which the Israeli company describes as the first-ever proactive and empathetic AI robot Nursing Companion.
Among its many features, the technology is designed to foster independence and support older adults through daily check-ins, helping with health goals and physical activity, and facilitating connection with family and friends using voice commands and on-screen instructions.
After years of pilot and early production deployments, ElliQ was commercially launched in the U.S. in March.
“This partnership is just the beginning of our work with local and federal government and public sector partners,” Intuition Robotics CEO and co-founder Dor Skuler said in an email. “New York State is an innovator when it comes to technology solutions for aging, and we are delighted that they are launching this first-of-its-kind pilot program with ElliQ.”
The robotic care companion consists of two parts: a moving “head” and a touchscreen tablet. Both are connected to a single base. The head has a light-like “face” with a microphone and speaker; when it talks to someone, it lights up and rotates to face that person. Tablets are used to display pictures and functions and to make video calls.
Like other AI, the technology is designed to help people, not replace them. But ElliQ is also interactive, even personable. Small enough to fit on a person’s dresser, an AI care companion will not only respond, but also send out things like reminders to take medication or jokes.
“While we all want to spend time with family and friends as we age, for most people, that can’t be around forever,” Schooler said. “We also know there is a carer crisis.”
It is predicted that by 2030, there will be a shortage of 151,000 paramedics nationwide, and by 2040, the shortage of paramedics in the United States will increase to 355,000. Report From the Global Alliance on Aging and the Family.
“We want ElliQ to fill in the gaps when human companionship isn’t available as often as we would like,” Skuler said.
However, ElliQ doesn’t look like a person.
“The design is designed to prevent people from mistaking ElliQ for a human, but the AI and conversational capabilities give it enough personality that people can easily talk to and connect with,” Skuler said. Additionally, “ElliQ helps with texting, calling or making plans with family and friends. No AI or technology can truly replace human companionship.”
Skuler said the company doesn’t have any “real competitors with the same level of active AI and empathetic companionship.”
There are other digital assistants on the market such as Amazon Alex products and Google nest. But they don’t have ElliQ’s active AI capabilities, he said. Skuler emphasizes that ElliQ is designed for seniors with input from people 65 and older.
“There are other age-tech companies that have created great solutions specifically for seniors. GrandPad has created a simplified tablet for seniors. Ageless Innovation has created robotic pets,” he said.
But Skuler believes ElliQ differentiates itself from other products by offering users more functionality and features, as well as personalized advice and conversations. Intuition Robotics’ primary customers are people 65 and older who live at home alone or spend most of their time at home.
ElliQ’s subscription price is $29.99 per month (with an annual plan) and includes unlimited use of hardware and software. There is also a registration fee of $249.99, which includes account setup and installation support.
NYSOFA is spend $700,000 Provides ElliQ access to 800 seniors.
“This product does a lot to improve health, combat isolation, and improve overall well-being and independence,” NYSOFA director Greg Olsen said in a statement. “Despite misconceptions and generalizations, older adults accept New technology, especially when they see it being designed by seniors to meet their needs. For those who experience some form of isolation and want to age in place, ElliQ is an alternative to traditional forms of social interaction and professional or home carer support.”
Photo: Intuitive Robots
