How a chatty robot is providing companionship to older Americans

  • ElliQ is a robot designed to alleviate loneliness and isolation in older Americans
  • It uses artificial intelligence to provide companionship and tailored conversations
  • ElliQ can play games, music, provide tours, and even make video calls
  • Users report lower levels of loneliness and interact with ElliQ over 30 times daily
  • The device is distributed by assistance agencies and can also be purchased individually

ElliQ, a robot created by Intuition Robotics, is revolutionizing the way older Americans combat loneliness and isolation. Designed with artificial intelligence, ElliQ provides tailored conversations and companionship to its users. The device can play games, music, provide tours, and even make video calls. Users report lower levels of loneliness and interact with ElliQ over 30 times daily. The robot is distributed by assistance agencies and can also be purchased individually. While it is not a substitute for human contact, ElliQ fills a void for seniors who may be housebound or lack social networks. With its ability to adapt to each senior’s personality and interests, ElliQ is changing the way we address loneliness in older adults.

Public Companies: Intuition Robotics (null)
Private Companies:
Key People: Joyce Loaiza (retired office worker), Deanna Dezern (retired collections consultant), Marie Broadbent (blind and in hospice), Jan Worrell (), Dor Skuler (CEO of Intuition Robotics), Julianne Holt-Lunstad (psychology professor at Brigham Young University), Greg Olsen (director of the New York State Office for the Aging), Charlotte Mather-Taylor (director of the Broward County, Florida, Area Agency on Aging)

Factuality Level: 7
Justification: The article provides information about the robot ElliQ and its use in alleviating loneliness and isolation among older Americans. It includes quotes from users and officials involved in distributing the device. The article also mentions concerns from a psychology professor about the potential negative effects of relying on AI for companionship. Overall, the article presents information about the topic without significant bias or inaccuracies.

Noise Level: 4
Justification: The article provides information about the robot ElliQ and its use in alleviating loneliness and isolation among older Americans. It includes quotes from users and officials, as well as concerns from a psychology professor. However, the article contains some repetitive information and lacks in-depth analysis or scientific rigor. It also does not provide actionable insights or solutions.

Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The article does not pertain to financial topics and does not describe any extreme events.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com