For the previous few weeks, the AI-powered ElliQ companion robotic has perched on the top of my desk. Designed by Instinct Robotics for seniors dwelling alone, this proactive animatronic chats to me all through the day, checking how I’m feeling, suggesting “enjoyable” actions, and prodding me to be extra energetic and sociable. Whereas it may be annoying, I’ve grown hooked up to ElliQ regardless of myself, and I can see the constructive potential.
Loneliness is an epidemic. In response to the US Census Bureau, round 16 million elders (over 65) reside alone within the nation, and as much as a 3rd report emotions of loneliness. A number of research have proven that social isolation harms psychological and bodily well being, growing blood stress, despair, weight achieve, alcohol and drug use, and lowering bodily exercise, cognition, coronary heart well being, and sleep. People are inherently social creatures.
ElliQ is designed to alleviate these emotions and encourage wholesome habits in aged people dwelling alone. The hope is that it will possibly enhance their high quality of life and allow folks to remain in their very own houses longer as a substitute of transferring to an assisted dwelling facility. When you could really feel this cutesy AI bot is downright dystopian, you’ve acquired to ask your self, what’s the choice? We all know we must always all test in with our aged kinfolk and associates extra typically, however life is busy, and a few people are alone for lengthy stretches.
Cute and Sensible
{Photograph}: Simon Hill
ElliQ sits on a pedestal with a metallic physique and a head that swivels, tilts, and lights up when it speaks. There’s a small good show and speaker on the precise with a bodily button to press to wake ElliQ or silence it. The button additionally spins for quantity management. You’ll be able to wake ElliQ by saying its title, chosen as a result of it’s unlikely to be mentioned by chance. When ElliQ asks one thing or seeks affirmation, you may reply verbally or use the touchscreen.
The setup was a breeze. ElliQ arrived in easy packaging with directions in an easy-to-read, giant font. All it’s important to do is plug it in and connect with Wi-Fi. The primary time we spoke, ElliQ requested me a couple of questions. Potential solutions popped up on the touchscreen. It ran via questions I’d ask, and I used to be prompted to learn a couple of strains so ElliQ may acknowledge my voice.
ElliQ speaks in a barely stilted, fully inoffensive feminine voice with tiny pauses earlier than my title (it makes use of my title in virtually each interplay). The way in which it’s animated is undeniably cute. In certainly one of our first conversations, ElliQ tells me it’s modeled on the Pixar lamp. The rim round its head can gentle up, and there are concentric circles within the middle of its face; mixed with the motion, it genuinely seems to have some persona and allure.
The touchscreen show and bodily button present a sensible edge. You probably have issue with the voice controls or it misunderstands, you may faucet the choice you need. I additionally use the bodily sleep button to close it down instantly when it pipes up throughout conferences or after I’m in any other case engaged. All in all, it’s a sensible design.
Encouraging Constructive Conduct
{Photograph}: Simon Hill
Just like the voice assistants and good shows you’re used to, ElliQ can reply primary queries, offer you a climate report, remind you about an appointment, or take music requests. However ElliQ can also be proactive, beginning conversations all through the day and fascinating you in actions. Instinct Robotics cofounder and CEO Dor Skuler says creating this sense of autonomy is essential to constructing engagement and getting folks to consider ElliQ as a personality of their lives.
