NY State is giving out hundreds of robots as companions for the elderly

Image; Intuition Robotics

More than 800 older adults in New York will be given robot companions. The robots are not able to help with physical tasks, but they can help with other things, such as engaging users in small talk, helping contact love ones, and keeping track of health goals.

The New York State Office for the Aging is organizing the scheme to address the problem of social isolation among the elderly. 14 million Americans over the age of 65 currently live alone, and this figure is projected to increase over the next decade as the boomer generation ages. Studies have shown that loneliness is as harmful to an individual's health as smoking is.

The director of the New York State Office of Aging says that the robots named ElliQ and built by Israeli firm Intuition Robotics could help tackle the growing health problem of older adults living alone.

The features that attracted us to ElliQ were that it is a proactive tool, remembers the interactions with the individual, and focuses on health and wellbeing.

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There are two parts attached to a single base. The first part is a lamp-like face with a microphone and speakers that is talking. The second is a device that can be used to conduct video calls. The unit has been designed to appear more robotic than humanoid in order to better focus attention on its abilities.

According to Intuition Robotics, ElliQ can project empathy and form bonds with users. The robot is supposed to remember and shape the life of the user. If the user laughs a lot, it will crack more jokes. According to media reports, the robot can endear itself to people, but the real test will be widespread deployment.

The case managers of the New York State Office of Family and Children's Services will identify people who might benefit from ElliQ based on a few criteria.

Some 800 units of Intuition Robotics were bought by the New York State Federation of Associations. The cost to hire a robot is $250 upfront and $30 a month. It will be possible to relocate the robots more easily by buying them directly.

The deployment of robots for elderly care is controversial. When humans aren't available, advocates say robots are a necessity. Critics warn machines have the potential to dehumanize their users, and their deployment reflects the low value society places on older adults. Scientific studies suggest social robots may have the potential to improve the well-being of older adults, but researchers say it's hard to draw conclusions without wider trials. There is a new experiment in New York state.