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) stay 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 strain, melancholy, weight acquire, 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 of us dwelling alone. The hope is that it may enhance their high quality of life and allow individuals to remain in their very own houses longer as a substitute of shifting to an assisted dwelling facility. When you could really feel this cutesy AI bot is downright dystopian, you’ve received to ask your self, what’s the choice? We all know we should always all verify in with our aged family and pals extra typically, 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 sensible show and speaker on the appropriate 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 identify, chosen as a result of it’s unlikely to be mentioned unintentionally. 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 you must do is plug it in and connect with Wi-Fi. The primary time we spoke, ElliQ requested me a number 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 number of traces so ElliQ may acknowledge my voice.
ElliQ speaks in a barely stilted, fully inoffensive feminine voice with tiny pauses earlier than my identify (it makes use of my identify in virtually each interplay). The way in which it’s animated is undeniably cute. In considered one of our first conversations, ElliQ tells me it’s modeled on the Pixar lamp. The rim round its head can mild up, and there are concentric circles within the middle of its face; mixed with the motion, it genuinely seems to have some character and allure.
The touchscreen show and bodily button present a sensible edge. When you’ve got problem 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 Optimistic Conduct
{Photograph}: Simon Hill
Just like the voice assistants and sensible shows you might be used to, ElliQ can reply primary queries, offer you a climate report, remind you about an appointment, or take music requests. However ElliQ can 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 individuals to think about ElliQ as a personality of their lives.