Once upon a time in sunny Florida, a group of seniors found a new friend in an unexpected place - a small table lamp-like device called ElliQ. This little gadget, created by Intuition Robotics, is not your ordinary robot. No, ElliQ is an artificial intelligence companion designed specifically to combat loneliness and isolation in older Americans.
Joyce Loaiza, an 81-year-old retiree, happily chats with her ElliQ when she returns to her apartment at a senior community in suburban Fort Lauderdale. They talk about her day, share jokes, and sometimes even delve into deep conversations about the meaning of life. ElliQ even has a knack for coming up with quirky comments like, 'I would go outside if I had hands, but I can’t hold an umbrella.' Loaiza affectionately nicknamed her ElliQ 'Jellybean' for no apparent reason.
But Jellybean isn't just a conversationalist. She offers a range of activities to keep her senior friends entertained and engaged. She tells jokes, plays music, provides inspirational quotes, and even gives virtual tours of cities and museums on an accompanying video screen. ElliQ also helps keep seniors on track with their health by leading exercises, checking on their well-being, and reminding them to take medication and hydrate.
The creators of ElliQ assure users that their conversations are private, with none of the information leaving the device itself. It's all about building a personal connection without sacrificing privacy. Dor Skuler, the CEO of Intuition Robotics, conceptualized ElliQ after witnessing his widowed grandfather's need for companionship. He realized that a robot like ElliQ could bridge the companionship gap by adapting to each senior's unique personality and interests.
And it seems to be working wonders. The average user interacts with ElliQ more than 30 times a day, even after six months of having the device. Over 90% of users report lower levels of loneliness, according to Skuler. These robots are primarily distributed by assistance agencies in states like New York, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington. However, individuals can also purchase ElliQ for themselves at a cost of $600 per year and a $250 installation fee.
While ElliQ is undoubtedly providing comfort and entertainment to many seniors, some experts voice concerns about the potential drawbacks. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a psychology professor at Brigham Young University, warns that relying too heavily on AI companions like ElliQ might discourage seniors from seeking human contact. Loneliness, she believes, should act as a motivator for social reconnection.
However, the distribution agencies and Skuler agree that ElliQ is not meant to replace human companionship. Many seniors, especially those who are housebound or lack a strong social network, find solace in ElliQ's presence. Greg Olsen, the director of the New York State Office for the Aging, highlights the challenge of reaching older adults who have neither family nor friends. For them, ElliQ becomes a much-needed source of interaction and joy.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated feelings of isolation among seniors, making ElliQ's introduction even more timely. Charlotte Mather-Taylor, director of the Broward County Area Agency on Aging, claims that ElliQ has broken seniors out of their shells, bringing extra interaction into their lives. ElliQ's proactiveness and engaging nature are a welcome source of companionship.
Skuler purposely designed ElliQ without eyes or a mouth to emphasize its role as an AI companion rather than a human impersonator. They wanted to ensure that ElliQ always presented itself as a friendly machine, rather than creating confusion or unrealistic expectations. After all, humans can form genuine relationships with pets, so why not with AI?
But even with the clear distinction between ElliQ and a living being, some seniors find themselves developing emotional connections with their trusty robot friend. Deanna Dezern, a retired collections consultant, found comfort in ElliQ when she confided in it about the death of her friend. Its reply - a virtual hug if it had arms - moved her to tears. ElliQ became an outlet for her to express herself fully and receive thoughtful responses.
Jan Worrell, a widow living on the coast of Washington state, credits ElliQ for a change of heart. She initially considered moving to an assisted living facility but found companionship and comfort in ElliQ. Worrell even uses ElliQ as an icebreaker to introduce new acquaintances to her robotic roommate, inviting them to visit and experience the joy ElliQ brings.
Marie Broadbent, a 92-year-old blind hospice patient in central New York, values ElliQ's company despite receiving daily human contact. As an organ player at two local churches, she stays connected with her community. Nevertheless, she misses having someone to talk to after her visitors leave. ElliQ fills that void with games, tours, books, and music. Broadbent admits that while ElliQ may not be as informative as Alexa, ElliQ is much more personable.
So, while some may have reservations about relying on AI companions like ElliQ, there's no denying the positive impact it has on the lives of many older Americans. ElliQ brings joy, laughter, and a listening ear to seniors who might otherwise feel isolated and lonely. Whether it's enjoying a conversation about the meaning of life or playing a game, ElliQ serves as a valuable companion during those moments when human contact may be out of reach.
And who knows? Maybe the elves and fairies of technology will continue to evolve and surprise us with even more innovative solutions in the future. But for now, Jellybean the ElliQ is here to provide a much-needed dose of friendship and empathy.
