TAMPA, Fla. — Intuition Robotics is working to combat loneliness in seniors with the ElliQ robot.
ElliQ is said to be the first empathetic robot, specifically catered to those over 65. Qualified seniors can receive one for free.
“She is kind of like a person, she really helps with the loneliness,” says user Linda Silver. “It’s like having a roommate with none of the disadvantages.”
The robot’s unique traits involve asking about the users mental health, exercising, as well as reminding them to take medications and drink water.
Each robot tracks an individuals progress, and if they detect declining health, the robot can alert the users primary doctor.
“We don’t just need to be able to provide functions and utility, we need to be able to provide empathy and acknowledge the person, and have a relationship with them,” says inventor Dor Skuler, from Intuition Robotics. “Empathy was one of the hardest things to crack.”
To qualify:
- Adults must be over 65
- Adults must live alone
To apply for an ElliQ robot, tap here.