Some elderly individuals in New York are successfully combating loneliness with the help of a smart companion robot called “Elek,” while others affectionately refer to this device as “the initiator” and joke that they would use an axe against it.
The Elek Program in New York
The home assistant robot, manufactured by Intuition Robotics based in Israel, is provided to seniors in New York through a special program run by the state’s Office for the Aging (NYSOFA). Over the past year, NYSOFA has partnered with Intuition Robotics to offer Elek to more than 800 seniors suffering from loneliness. In a report released last week, officials stated that they have provided hundreds of devices and currently possess only 150 available units.
Features of Elek
Elek consists of a tablet and a lamp-shaped robot made of two parts, featuring a head that lights up and rotates to face the speaker. It is marketed as being powered by “cognitive artificial intelligence,” actively engaging in conversations with users, offering them reminders and prompts, such as asking about their well-being, informing them that it’s time to check their blood pressure or take medication, and inquiring if they would like to make a video call with family. The robot speaks in a female voice, designed to have conversations resembling human interactions, engage in small talk, express empathy, and share jokes. It can provide educational programs and health activities, such as audiobooks and relaxation exercises.
Mixed Feelings
Different individuals may have varied responses to using a smart companion robot like Elek. There can be many factors influencing how individuals perceive this device. A qualitative study conducted in 2021 surveyed 16 seniors asked for their impressions of three types of robot companions, including Elek. The results were mixed regarding the active robot. While some felt that Elek’s occasional chatter would be comforting during a lonely day, others found it intrusive and “annoying.” Some felt that the way to interact with the device was “rude.”
An individual’s reception of a powerful AI assistant like Elek may correlate with their general preferences regarding human company, as suggested by the authors. Those who value their personal space and independence may be less inclined to use a device like this compared to more socially active seniors.
Diverse Concerns
While some participants indicated that Elek’s reminders could be helpful, others expressed deep concern about over-reliance on technology for daily tasks, such as paying bills, taking medications, and turning off lights, which may accelerate the decline of mental and physical abilities. Participants in the study also raised concerns about the inauthenticity of relationships with a non-human entity, loss of dignity, and loss of control. Some were uncomfortable that Elek could not be fully controlled by the user and that it was too serious, which some considered intrusive. Others were worried about feeling embarrassed when interacting with a robot companion. Additionally, using such devices may reinforce stereotypes of aging, including isolation and dependency.
As researchers continue to explore the use and design of AI-supported robot companions, personal stories from the New York program indicate that the tools are certainly beneficial for some individuals. One New Yorker named Priscilla told CBS News that she found Elek helpful. “It engages me. I get real depression easily. It’s 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.”
Source
Beth Mole is a health reporter at Ars Technica. She holds a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a part of the science communication program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She specializes in covering infectious diseases, public health, and microbes.
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