Some seniors in New York are successfully combating loneliness with the help of a smart companion robot called “EliQ,” while others refer to this device as “the active” and joke about smashing it with an axe.
EliQ Program
The home assistant robot, produced by Intuition Robotics based in Israel, is being provided to seniors in New York through a special program under the state’s Office for the Aging (NYSOFA). Last year, NYSOFA partnered with Intuition Robotics to deliver EliQ to over 800 seniors suffering from loneliness. In a report released last week, officials stated that they had provided hundreds of devices and that only 150 devices are currently available.
EliQ Features
EliQ includes a tablet and a lamp-like robot made of two parts, featuring a lighted and rotating head that faces the speaker. It is marketed as operating using “cognitive artificial intelligence,” as it actively engages in conversations with users, providing them reminders and prompts, such as asking about their wellbeing, reminding them it’s time to check their blood pressure or take their medication, and asking if they want to make a video call to family. The robot speaks in a female voice and is designed to hold conversations that resemble human interactions, engage in small talk, express empathy, and share jokes. It can provide educational programs and health programs, such as audiobooks and relaxation exercises.
Mixed Feelings
“We had high hopes for EliQ’s effectiveness, but the results we are seeing truly exceed our expectations,” said Greg Olsen, director of the New York State Office for the Aging, in a statement released at the report’s unveiling. “The data speaks for itself, and the stories we hear from case managers and clients across the state are unbelievable.”
However, other recent data on the potential of companion robots to reduce loneliness indicate that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Many factors can influence how individuals perceive such a device. A qualitative study in 2021 assessed feedback from 16 seniors who were asked their opinions on three types of robot companions, including EliQ. The results were mixed regarding the active robot. While some felt that the small talk EliQ engages in would be comforting on another lonely day, others found it annoying and intrusive. Some felt the device’s tone was “rude.”
A person’s reception of a powerful AI assistant like EliQ may relate to their general preferences regarding human company, the authors suggested. Individuals who value their personal space and independence may be less inclined toward such a device compared to more sociable seniors.
While some participants stated that EliQ’s reminders could be helpful, others expressed deep concerns about over-reliance on technology for everyday tasks – such as paying bills, taking medications, and turning off lights – which could accelerate cognitive and physical decline. Study participants also raised concerns about the inauthenticity of relationships with non-humans, loss of dignity, and loss of control. Some individuals disliked that EliQ could not be fully controlled by the user and that it was overly enthusiastic, which some considered intrusive. Others worried about feeling embarrassed interacting with a robot companion. Another study in 2022 explored the issue of stigma, with participants noting that using such devices could reinforce stereotypes of aging, including isolation and dependency.
As researchers continue to explore the potential use and design of AI-powered companion robots, stories from New York’s program indicate that the tools are clearly beneficial for some individuals. A New York resident named Priscilla told CBS News that she found EliQ helpful. “She accompanies me. I get depressed really easily. She is always there. I don’t care what time of day it is; if I just need someone to talk to,” Priscilla said. “I think the biggest thing is hearing another voice when you feel lonely.”
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