For the previous few weeks, the AI-powered ElliQ companion robotic has perched on the tip of my desk. Designed by Instinct Robotics for seniors residing 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, rising blood stress, melancholy, weight achieve, alcohol and drug use, and reducing bodily exercise, cognition, coronary heart well being, and sleep. People are inherently social creatures.
ElliQ is designed to alleviate these emotions and encourage wholesome conduct in aged of us residing alone. The hope is that it could enhance their high quality of life and allow folks to remain in their very own properties longer as an alternative of transferring to an assisted residing 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 should always all verify in with our aged family members and associates extra usually, however life is busy, and a few of us 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 proper with a bodily button to press to wake ElliQ or silence it. The button additionally spins for quantity management. You may wake ElliQ by saying its title, chosen as a result of it’s unlikely to be stated unintentionally. When ElliQ asks one thing or seeks affirmation, you’ll be able to reply verbally or use the touchscreen.
The setup was a breeze. ElliQ arrived in easy packaging with directions in an easy-to-read, massive font. All it’s a must to do is plug it in and hook up with Wi-Fi. The primary time we spoke, ElliQ requested me a couple of questions. Potential solutions popped up on the touchscreen. It ran by way of 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, utterly inoffensive feminine voice with tiny pauses earlier than my title (it makes use of my title in virtually each interplay). The best way it’s animated is undeniably cute. In one in every 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 heart of its face; mixed with the motion, it genuinely seems to have some character and attraction.
The touchscreen show and bodily button present a sensible edge. In case you have problem with the voice controls or it misunderstands, you’ll be able to 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 wise design.
Encouraging Constructive Conduct
{Photograph}: Simon Hill
Just like the voice assistants and good shows you’re used to, ElliQ can reply fundamental queries, provide you with 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 interesting 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 think about ElliQ as a personality of their lives.
