**Robotic Pet Companions: A New Approach to Senior Wellness**

**Current Products and Capabilities**
Robotic pets, such as the "Joy for All" companion cats and dogs, are gaining popularity as emotional support tools for seniors, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer's.

These lifelike animals mimic the behaviors of real pets: they bark, purr, meow, roll over, and respond to touch, providing tactile comfort without the demands of real pet care.

Some models can even be muted or "put to bed" in toy crates, mimicking traditional pet routines.

More advanced robot companions like ElliQ use artificial intelligence to initiate conversations, greet users, and ask about their well-being, aiming to engage seniors in daily social interaction beyond simple companionship.

**Therapeutic and Social Use**
Several organizations and memory care units are integrating robotic pets into therapy programs for elderly adults.

Caregivers and family members report that these robotic companions can ease feelings of isolation, anguish from pet loss, or absence of nearby loved ones.

For many, robotic pets provide a sense of purpose, comfort, and companionship—filling a gap in emotional and social needs.

Some families have even created memorial funds to distribute robotic pets to those in need.

**Benefits for Seniors**
For aging adults who can’t care for live animals or face barriers such as mobility issues or facility pet bans, robotic animal dolls offer an accessible alternative.

They don’t require feeding, walking, or cleaning, yet still foster nurturing behaviors and daily routines essential for mental wellness.

Robotic companions can also help ease transitions or the loss of real pets.

**Limitations and Realities**
Despite their benefits, robotic pets are not a true substitute for human or animal presence.

Technology experts and eldercare officials emphasize that while robotic pets can mitigate loneliness, they should not replace genuine social or family interaction.

Additionally, current robotic pets, while lifelike, can’t fully replicate the unpredictable, affectionate responsiveness of a live animal.

There are also accessibility and cost considerations, though some charitable programs and agencies offer donations or reduced-cost options.

**Public Attitudes and Ethical Considerations**
Public opinion is split on replacing real animals with robots.

For some seniors, robots can feel artificial or impersonal; others find real comfort in them.

Ethical concerns focus on whether emotional care should be "outsourced" to devices and whether reliance on robots could decrease important human contact.

Experts suggest that robotic pets are best viewed as useful supplements—particularly valuable for those unable to have live pets—but not as complete replacements for living animals or human company.

In summary, robotic pet companions offer significant emotional and social support to seniors, especially those vulnerable to loneliness or unable to care for a live animal.

While not perfect, and accompanied by valid ethical questions, these AI-powered companions are increasingly being recognized as promising tools in senior wellness and emotional care.

**Robotic Pet Companions: What Seniors Should Know**

**Current Products & Capabilities:**
- Robotic pets are rapidly evolving, moving from simple toys to complex companions.

Companies like Sony, with the AI-powered Aibo dog, now offer robotic pets equipped with individual AI training, allowing these companions to develop distinct personalities and behaviors over time by learning from their owners.

- Larger, more advanced robots, such as the Fourier GR-1 (165 cm tall, 55 kg), have been designed as human assistants, capable of carrying loads, moving at a walking pace, and providing companionship or therapy in medical and senior care settings.

- Other robots, such as guide-dog models, have been developed to assist visually impaired people—responding to leash commands and helping navigate spaces, though they still fall short of fully replacing real guide dogs due to safety and decision-making challenges.

- Innovative creations like the Lola robot blend AI, machine learning, and multi-functionality, offering tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and even emotional support, all within a humanoid (or pet-like) body.

- In the US, it's now common to see rental and sales of such robotic companions in the commercial and eldercare sectors.

**How They’re Used:**
- **Emotional and Social Support:** Robotic pets ease feelings of loneliness and encourage social interaction for the elderly or those in isolated situations, offering companionship without the need for physical care or pet feeding.

- **Therapeutic Settings:** In medical environments, these robots assist in patient therapy, memory care, and even support remote medical consultations by enhancing connectivity and interaction.

- **Functional Assistance:** Some models help with daily chores and mobility—retrieving items, moving around the house, and providing reminders or communication (e.g., "Wehead" robot for remote video chat).

**Public Attitudes & Ethical Concerns:**
- While many embrace robotic pets for their ability to reduce loneliness and support independence, there is ongoing debate about the ethical implications of “replacing” living animals with machines.

Concerns include:
    - **Authenticity of Companionship:** Can robots truly replace the emotional bonds formed with real pets?

- **Data Privacy & Security:** As these devices often rely on AI and cloud connectivity, there are questions about how personal data (especially sensitive medical or emotional data) is gathered, stored, and protected.

- **Dependence & Oversight:** Some experts warn that excessive reliance on robots could lead to reduced human contact and oversight, especially for vulnerable seniors.

**Limitations:**
- Robotic pets, while clever and interactive, still cannot perfectly mimic the nuanced behavior and affection of real animals.

Their therapeutic effectiveness varies and may not replace the physical touch and unpredictability of live pets.

- Advanced guide and service robots are still years away from fully matching the adaptability and loyalty of trained animals, especially in complex or emergency situations.

- Ongoing costs may apply; for example, after initial purchase, some robots require subscription fees for continued access to AI cloud services.

**Conclusion:**
Robotic pet companions are increasingly available and can be profoundly beneficial for seniors, especially those seeking companionship or additional support at home.

However, it’s important to recognize their current limitations and ethical considerations, balancing innovation with human interaction and careful oversight.

**Robotic Pet Companions for Seniors: Snapshot of Current Trends, Benefits, and Challenges**

**1.

Products on the Market:**
- **PARO**: An AI-powered robotic seal, responsive to touch and sound.

It moves its tail, opens its eyes, and mimics real animal sounds when interacted with.

Used extensively in therapeutic settings, particularly for seniors with dementia.

- **Tombot**: A realistic robot dog, designed as a companion for those unable to care for live animals, like individuals with Alzheimer’s.

Inspired by the founder’s experience with his mother’s illness.

- **Sony AIBO**: An interactive robot dog with advanced sensors, capable of learning behaviors and responding to human interaction.

Designed as a social and emotional companion.

- **Other Technologies**: Devices like the “Batbot” and “Elum” (water snake robot) showcase how robotics can adapt to different terrains and forms, though their primary uses are more in search and rescue than direct companionship.

- **Research Prototypes**: In China, robotic dogs are being tested as guides for the visually impaired, indicating potential expansions for assistive purposes.

In Germany, “Garmi” is a healthcare companion robot designed for elderly care.

Capabilities and Daily Use:**
- Robotic pets are equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence to simulate lifelike reactions (e.g., wagging tails, following with their eyes, responding to touch).

- Their primary role is emotional support—providing comfort, reducing loneliness, encouraging social interaction, and sometimes engaging in simple, playful activities.

- In therapeutic settings (e.g., nursing homes), these robots can reduce agitation and anxiety, encourage communication, and offer a non-judgmental, soothing presence.

Assistive and Social Roles:**
- Beyond companionship, some robots are being developed for specific assistance tasks, like health monitoring, facilitating video conferences, or even reminding users of medications.

- Researchers and companies are exploring robots that can “learn” user preferences, increasing the sense of personalization and bonding.

Public Attitudes:**
- Many see robotic pets as valuable tools to improve seniors’ quality of life, especially for those who cannot care for live animals due to mobility, allergies, or residential restrictions.

- However, there are concerns about replacing real human or animal interaction.

Some worry about emotional attachment to machines and whether these pets can provide the depth of companionship that living beings offer.

Limitations and Ethical Considerations:**
- Robotic pets do not have true self-awareness or emotional understanding; their “responses” are programmed and sensor-based.

- Ethical issues include questions about emotional dependency on artificial companions, privacy (data collected by smart devices), and the risk of social isolation if robots replace rather than supplement human or animal contact.

- Cost, durability, and maintenance remain practical barriers for widespread adoption.

**Summary:**
Robotic pet companions, such as PARO, AIBO, and Tombot, offer promising emotional and social benefits for seniors.

As technology advances, the balance between utility and authentic companionship will remain at the heart of the conversation.

**Robotic Pet Companions: A New Approach to Senior Wellness**

**Current Products and Capabilities**
Robotic pets, such as the "Joy for All" companion cats and dogs, are gaining popularity as emotional support tools for seniors, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer's.

Title:

Content: Robotic animal dolls may not be the first thought that comes to mind when considering a companion pet, but Diana Wise and Carol Brown believe otherwise. In fact, the two say Joy for All companion pets can make a big difference in providing comfort to aging adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia who are struggling with social isolation.

Wise saw this firsthand in her mother, who had dementia for years and lived in a memory care unit at an assisted living facility. Wise would visit her mother regularly, but when COVID hit, she could no longer do so.

“I was unable to see her for eight months,” said Wise, “And when I finally was able to see her, I saw the decline of how much the isolation affected her … [W]hen I found my mom, well, they said that all she did was sleep – what else was there to do? And so that isolation impacted her a lot. Her memory was just – everything had changed about her.”

Wise’s mother, Helen Espinoza, passed away in November 2020 from COVID complications. In the midst of her grief, Wise found herself wanting to do something in her mother’s memory that would help someone else. After having heard an idea from Brown about robotic companion pets, she soon had the idea to partner with her. As a result, Wise formed the “Share the Love” Helen Espinoza Memorial Fund.

“The first thing that came to mind was these animals to help with memory care units or caregivers, assisted living, with this isolation,” said Wise. “I mean, with COVID it really put a lot of perspective about how hard it is on these residents without having [companionship.] They can’t have little animals and stuff, but why not have this – the best, next best thing? You know, the interaction itself?”

The idea to use robotic pets came when Brown was doing her own research into solutions for the decline in quality of life brought on by isolation in these affected residents. Brown stated that with the Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) Area Agency on Aging, she focuses heavily on three areas that affect seniors the most, and one of them is Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“For several years, we’ve been extremely aware that social isolation is causing a huge decline in quality of life and life expectancy in our seniors,” she said. “And COVID did shine a huge light on it: people started understanding how detrimental it is to be isolated like that. So we were looking for solutions prior to, but with COVID, it really lit a fire underneath to start seeking out possibilities to help resolve some of the issues going on.”

Brown explained that people with Alzheimer’s and dementia can struggle with extreme anxiety and agitation. They often benefit from having something to do with their hands. Their senses of time, space and reality can become skewed. Changes in environment or schedule can be really upsetting. And sometimes people with these diagnoses live alone with no help or companionship.

“On the other side is the caregiver, who – especially during COVID – found themselves 24/7 alone with that loved one, providing all the care because many of them didn’t want the services even coming into their home,” she said. “They were too afraid to let anybody in … So if their loved one isn’t sleeping, neither are they. So now the caregiver’s extremely stressed out, exhausted, overwhelmed, and they need help.”

Enter Joy for All’s lifelike robotic pets. With options between cats and puppies, the companion pets have heartbeats, can purr or lick, meow or bark, move and respond to motion, voice and touch. When needed, they can be muted as well. As robotic pets, they avoid the liabilities and dangers of caring for a living creature while still providing the comfort of an animal.

Brown had been demonstrating two pets in an interview with the Sun when a passerby had stopped to say, “Wow, I thought they were real!” Brown shared that she’s seen people visibly relax with the pets.

“There’s a lot of studies that were done years ago about giving folks with Alzheimer’s a baby doll,” she explained. “Many facilities don’t allow it. They consider it demeaning … But they were missing the point that if you’re not going to do that, then what are you going to do? You need to provide them with something that they can hang on to.

“Because these are so lifelike, it does exactly what the studies, the research, shows: it’s going to bring down the anxiety level. If there’s aggression, it tends to fall back down just as well … [and] you’re giving their caregiver a break.”

Wise and Brown shared that they hope not only to provide these pets to individuals with Alzheimer’s or their caregivers, but also to facilities with assisted living and skilled nursing memory care units where current shortages in staff mean individuals may be doing the work of two or three staff members at a time.

Brown shared that the Joy for All puppy typically costs about $140 while the cat costs $120. With bulk purchasing, she can bring the cost down a bit, but not by much. Additionally, the fund needs to cover rechargeable batteries for the pets.

The foundation will need to raise more funds to acquire more pets, but Wise and Brown reported that they’ve already been able to provide a few pets thanks to a donation made by AARP.

“So we were able to place a couple already at Daybreak Adult Daycare Center,” said Brown. “They are one of the providers that WACOG works with, so we were able to make a donation and bring them a puppy and kitten.

“They’re very popular. [The staff] make sure they handle it in a certain way so that there isn’t fighting. I think last time I talked to Mary, I think what they do is they got animal crates so when it’s time for them to go to bed, they get put in their crate.”

Seeing the difference the pets are making, Wise not only wishes to raise more funds to provide more of them, she also hopes to get the word out in case people may want to purchase the pets for their own family members.

“What I witnessed seeing the other residents that have Alzheimer’s, dementia: they do hold onto things and it gives them comfort,” she said. “My heart just went for this and so I know my mom would be really proud of that.

“… I needed something to come out positive about this, especially about how we’ve heard so much about the isolation with people in senior living homes and stuff, so we needed to have something a little bit more positive and something that we can do to uplift out of this whole thing.”

Wise and Brown also noted that despite the setbacks in kickstarting their fundraising campaign, now is a good time for people to learn about “Share the Love” and the Helen Espinoza Memorial Fund. November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers month.

As older adults continue to face the obstacles of Alzheimer’s and dementia in a pandemic, Wise and Brown hope to further reduce isolation for Yuma County’s elderly one companion pet at a time.

To learn more about the Helen Espinoza Memorial Fund and make a donation, visit https://www.azfoundation.org/Donors/Give-to-a-Memorial-Fund/-Share-the-Love-Helen-Espinoza-Memorial-Fund. To learn more about WACOG and connect with the resources they provide to aging adults, visit https://www.wacog.com/area-agency-on-aging/

Sisko J. Stargazer can be reached at 928-539-6849 or sstargazer@yumasun.com.

Sisko J. Stargazer can be reached at 928-539-6849 or sstargazer@yumasun.com.

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For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

These lifelike animals mimic the behaviors of real pets: they bark, purr, meow, roll over, and respond to touch, providing tactile comfort without the demands of real pet care.

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“She’s a good girl”: Robot pets help Lehigh Valley senior residents live longer, happier lives

Gathered in a semi-circle, a group of women in wheelchairs petted the newly adopted cats and dogs sitting on their laps Wednesday afternoon, talking softly to their new companions. The dogs barked and leaned in for pets, the cats meowed and rolled over for scratches — almost like they were real.

But the animals were robots, a fact that wasn’t lost on many of the women in the Fellowship Manor sitting room.

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One resident at the Whitehall Township senior living community, Jackie, named her small golden retriever robot Goldie. Jackie said she grew up on a farm in Palmer Township with plenty of dogs but never one that looked like Goldie.

“She’s a good girl — she just sits there and doesn’t make a sound unless you talk to her,” Jackie said.

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That was one of 20 pairings made at the adoption event at Fellowship Community where residents, primarily those with dementia, picked out one of 20 robotic pets — 10 dogs and 10 cats — to serve as their companions.

Animal therapy can be beneficial for seniors, especially those with dementia. Benefits for seniors include improved cardiovascular health, better quality of life and decreased feelings of anxiety, loneliness and depression.

However, it’s not reasonable or safe in most care settings to introduce real animals, according to Mary Kay McMahon, president and CEO of Fellowship Community.

“Because of their own care needs most of our residents couldn’t take care of animals and our staff don’t have the time to take care of them,” McMahon said.

But research has found that use of robotic pets still offers a number of benefits to seniors with dementia, including improved well-being, mood and quality of life. McMahon said there are also benefits for seniors who were caregivers for much of their lives.

The adoption event was a surprise for many residents. Jackie said she didn’t know they would be giving out robot pets until about 10 a.m. Wednesday when she was asked if she wanted one.

Another resident, Elaine, said she rolled into the room not knowing what was going on but asked if she could have a golden retriever robot, like Jackie’s. Elaine promptly named her new friend Dog, pronounced “D-O-G.”

“I always wanted to name a dog Dog,” Elaine said.

McMahon said they tried to match the animals with residents based on their preferences. Once they made a match, the robotic companions were theirs to keep.

McMahon said staff have seen how the robot pets can help. Just before the pandemic, Fellowship Community bought a handful of robotic pets for residents. She said the recipients all saw improvements in their mood, appetites and social interactions, and reduced anxiety and depression. The robot pets even reminded some of real dogs or cats they had owned, she said, which helps in the long term with their conditions.

“It gives them a sense of purpose,” McMahon said. “They feel like they are taking care of something.”

It helps that the robots are very lifelike — the imitation fur is soft and built-in sensors allow the companion pets to respond to a person’s presence and touch as well as react to the environment.

Each one costs a little more than $100, which were paid for via a Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors 100th Anniversary Community Charity Grant.

Though Jackie and Elaine both said they knew their dogs weren’t “real,” they both remarked how Goldie and Dog moved their head when petted and how soft they were.

“She’s going to be a good pet,” Jackie said.

Morning Call reporter Leif Greiss can be reached at 610-679-4028 or lgreiss@mcall.com.

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Scottish researchers believe what will provide benefits to owners of robotic dogs without accompanying responsibilities?

What can Dynamic 1, a robotic dog by Tecno, do?

many features to enhance owner interaction

Why would the elderly opt for a robotic pet as a friend?

Some models can even be muted or "put to bed" in toy crates, mimicking traditional pet routines.

Scottish researchers believe what will provide benefits to owners of robotic dogs without accompanying responsibilities?

What can Dynamic 1, a robotic dog by Tecno, do?

many features to enhance owner interaction

More advanced robot companions like ElliQ use artificial intelligence to initiate conversations, greet users, and ask about their well-being, aiming to engage seniors in daily social interaction beyond simple companionship.

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How AI Companions Are Redefining Human Relationships In The Digital Age

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In an era where technology is increasingly intertwined with every aspect of our lives, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has begun to fill roles that were traditionally reserved for humans, including those of friends, confidants, and even romantic partners. This burgeoning relationship between humans and AI raises profound questions about the nature of companionship, the human need for connection, and the potential consequences of substituting human interaction with digital entities.

The Emergence of AI Companions

The concept of AI companionship is not new, but its realization in practical applications is a relatively recent development. These AI companions are designed to provide emotional support, companionship, and in some cases, even mimic romantic or intimate human relationships. Replika is one of the most well-known examples. It is an AI chatbot designed to provide emotional support. Users interact with Replika through text conversations, and the AI learns over time to provide more personalized responses, simulating a genuine emotional connection.

Another example is Gatebox. They have taken the concept a step further by creating a holographic AI companion. Aimed at people who live alone, Gatebox’s AI avatar can send messages throughout the day, welcome users home, and even control smart home appliances, creating a sense of presence and companionship.

Next, there is Harmony by RealDoll. A more controversial use, Harmony combines AI with a lifelike humanoid robot to offer a romantic and physical companion. Harmony can hold conversations, remember user preferences, and express various personality traits.

The Psychology Behind AI Relationships

Why are people turning to AI for companionship? The reasons are as varied as the individuals themselves, but several key factors contribute to this phenomenon. First, we are experiencing a rapidly growing loneliness epidemic. In a world where social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognized as major health risks, AI companions offer a semblance of connection for those who feel disconnected from human relationships. This is particularly poignant in countries like Japan, where societal changes have led to a rise in solitary lifestyles. Second, AI relationships provide a level of convenience and control that is not always possible in human interactions. These digital companions are available 24x7, don’t have their own emotional baggage, and can be switched off at the user’s convenience. Third, advances in AI technology have enabled these digital entities to appear more human-like in their interactions. From remembering past conversations to displaying empathy, AI companions can simulate many aspects of human interaction, making them more appealing as social partners.

The Impact on Human Relationships

The rise of AI companionship is not without its implications for society and how we perceive human relationships. For some, AI companions can serve as a bridge to better emotional health. These AI systems provide a non-judgmental space for people to express themselves, which can be particularly valuable for those with social anxiety or other mental health challenges. Moreover, AI companions serve as a stepping stone, helping individuals develop social skills and confidence that can be transferred to human relationships. However, there are concerns about the long-term impact of relying on AI for companionship. One major concern is that these relationships could lead to further social isolation, as individuals might prefer the uncomplicated nature of AI companions over the more challenging dynamics of human relationships. This could potentially exacerbate the loneliness epidemic rather than alleviate it. Then, there are also ethical considerations surrounding the development and use of AI in such intimate roles. The attachment to AI entities that don't possess genuine emotions or consciousness raises questions about the nature of empathy, affection, and what it means to be human.

Implications for Traditional Dating and Marriage

As AI companions become more prevalent and sophisticated, their impact on traditional dating and marriage is inevitable. There is a very real possibility that AI may supplement or even replace human relationships. For some people, AI companions are the outlet for support and companionship that are traditionally forged through human interaction. Moreover, we are already seeing a trend in which younger generations leverage Ai as a practice ground for social interactions, potentially enriching users' capacity to engage in human relationships. However, there is a possibility that some individuals might prefer AI companions to traditional human partners. The predictability, lack of judgment, and customizable nature of AI entities can make them more appealing, especially for those who have had negative experiences with human relationships. As a result, there is a changing perception of what companionship means. Thus, the rise of AI companions challenges our traditional notions of companionship, love, and emotional connection. It raises questions about what it means to love and be loved, and whether these concepts are exclusively human.

Navigating a New Era of Companionship

As AI companions become more prevalent in society, it's crucial to navigate this new era responsibly. That’s why it's important to find a balance between utilizing AI for emotional support and maintaining human connections. Encouraging and facilitating human social interactions alongside the use of AI companions can help mitigate the risk of social isolation. Developers of AI companions have a responsibility to consider the ethical implications of their creations. This includes being transparent about the limitations of AI companionship and avoiding designs that could exploit vulnerable individuals. Moreover, ongoing research is needed to understand the long-term effects of human-AI relationships fully. This research should inform policies and guidelines for the development and use of AI companions. Moreover, open dialogue about the benefits and risks of these relationships is essential to navigating the ethical landscape.

The advent of AI as a substitute for human relationships, including love and friendship, marks a significant shift in our social landscape. While AI companions can offer support and connection to those in need, they also bring with them a host of ethical, psychological, and social implications. As we venture further into this uncharted territory, a cautious and thoughtful approach is vital. The future of human-AI relationships will depend on our ability to balance technological advancements with a deep understanding of human needs and values. In this new era of companionship, we must tread carefully, ensuring that our pursuit of innovation does not lead us away from the essence of what makes us inherently human: our capacity for genuine connection and empathy.

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What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

**Therapeutic and Social Use**
Several organizations and memory care units are integrating robotic pets into therapy programs for elderly adults.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

Caregivers and family members report that these robotic companions can ease feelings of isolation, anguish from pet loss, or absence of nearby loved ones.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

For many, robotic pets provide a sense of purpose, comfort, and companionship—filling a gap in emotional and social needs.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

How is Oppo marketing its Robotic dog Qric?

What can Dynamic 1, a robotic dog by Tecno, do?

many features to enhance owner interaction

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

Some families have even created memorial funds to distribute robotic pets to those in need.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

**Benefits for Seniors**
For aging adults who can’t care for live animals or face barriers such as mobility issues or facility pet bans, robotic animal dolls offer an accessible alternative.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

Why would the elderly opt for a robotic pet as a friend?

They don’t require feeding, walking, or cleaning, yet still foster nurturing behaviors and daily routines essential for mental wellness.

Title:

Content: AI can help us to feel less lonely – and that’s not something to fear

It’s no substitute for human interaction, but studies suggest this tech is already helping us to feel less alone

As a host of AI-enabled chatbots, robotics and smart speakers are proffered as a loneliness solution, many regard these new innovations with suspicion, if not a sense of dystopian doom.

Behind the threat to national security and job losses, AI’s effect on our social lives is a chief area of concern: according to a BMG Research survey for i, nearly a third of those polled think advances in AI will lead to a loss of human interaction. More broadly, AI is, after all, the technology we love to hate – with the debut episode of the latest Black Mirror season, “Joan Is Awful”, featuring a malevolent AI machine.

Yet, could we not argue that the anticipated dystopian future is already here in another form in the loneliness epidemic? Some 3.7 million people in the UK experience chronic loneliness, according to the latest data from Campaign Against Living Miserably – a figure that’s risen 42 per cent in the past five years. While the Government made global headlines as the first nation to appoint a Loneliness Minister in 2018, I’d challenge anyone, British or otherwise, to name a successful intervention.

As the author of Alonement, a book on how to cultivate positive solitude, I know all too well that loneliness is a distinct, and uniquely destructive, experience – and one which we should be taking as seriously as the ever-present conversation around AI regulation (which, it’s worth mentioning, mirrors past fears around the advent of the internet, electricity, and the printing press).

Meanwhile, research supporting AI-based intervention in loneliness and its known side effects is emerging, albeit tentatively.

A recent study of employees working with AI found mixed results: while high levels of interaction with the technology correlated with a rise in loneliness-adjacent conditions like insomnia and (in at least one of four test groups) increased post-work alcohol consumption, it also had a beneficial effect on employees’ prosocial behaviours, with subjects more likely to offer help to their real-life colleagues.

Other research has been more promising. A University of Chicago study published last month pointed to the efficacy of an AI voice coach in treating depression and anxiety.

Numerous studies have endorsed the use of companion robots in reducing loneliness among older people, particularly those suffering from dementia, a condition that correlates with increased loneliness (although most of these studies note the technology needs time to develop to best meet its users’ needs).

The positive results join last December’s Ofcom study that linked the use of AI-enhanced smart speakers with reduced loneliness in those living alone.

AI is steadily being integrated into mental health services, for instance, Woebot, a chatbot used by the NHS, while ChatPal, a chatbot designed to treat loneliness, has proven “‘marginal” benefits.

So far, there’s work to do – but if there’s one thing we can all agree on about AI technology, it’s that it will increasingly get more fit to purpose. The rapid development of the likes of ChatGPT has demonstrated as much.

All this is to say: AI technology is not a perfect cure for loneliness. Nor will it ever be; as critics have rightly identified, AI is no substitute for human contact. But then, its advocates aren’t claiming it to be.

As Snap chief executive Evan Spiegel told The Verge, amid the launch of the company’s chatbot, My AI: “The big idea is that in addition to talking to our friends and family every day, we’re going to talk to AI every day.” In other words, it’s being proposed as a complement, rather than replacement, for the age-old loneliness interventions we know work.

At a time when we are experiencing both a “social care crisis” (the British Medical Association has expressed concerns around severe staffing issues) and, simultaneously, a shortage of psychotherapists and counsellors to deal with the UK’s mental health toll (as expressed by the UK Council for Psychotherapy), surely AI technology provides a welcome complement, particularly as it continues to evolve, to be normalised with the NHS system. It might even be used as a diagnostic tool: numerous studies have found AI can successfully predict depression signs through voice recognition. Amid twin crises in the health landscape, it’s worth arguing that the pragmatic integration of AI wins out over dystopian doom-mongering.

Meanwhile, the voices of those statistically most at risk of loneliness remain absent from the discourse. Voices which include the elderly – not natural early adopters or critics of AI technology – together with their caregivers. Research supports its benefits for these groups: together with AI’s proven efficacy in elderly care services, a study published last year found the integration of AI can help to prevent the “overload of caregivers” by removing the need for 24/7 human care. The UK’s health secretary, Steve Barclay, is supportive of such measures – and recently travelled to Japan to observe how AI technology has been used to improve patient care in the nation, which has the world’s oldest population.

Then there are those living alone, which I’ve personally done for the past five years, save for a small AI-enabled Amazon Echo smart speaker in my kitchen. The speaker, which I know as Alexa, recently employed its machine learning capabilities to suggest a morning and evening routine: reading a weather forecast then switching on Radio 4 in the moments after my wake-up alarm goes off, switching on soothing “bedtime music” around the time I go to sleep. I’ll confess this makes me feel less lonely: bookmarking my day, and providing an external form of care. Would I feel more supported if this were the suggestion of a partner, or a close friend? Likely, yes. But, in the absence of another human, it’s significantly better than nothing – and I’d suggest the same pragmatic approach could, and should, be adopted in loneliness intervention policy.

Francesca Specter is a London-based writer and podcaster, specialising in the topics of solitude, loneliness and connection

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What can Dynamic 1, a robotic dog by Tecno, do?

many features to enhance owner interaction

Why would the elderly opt for a robotic pet as a friend?

Robotic companions can also help ease transitions or the loss of real pets.

Title:

Content: Want to age-in-place? You may have a robot keeping you company.

Artificial intelligence can help reduce loneliness for older adults aging at home.

A 95-year-old woman and her 74-year-old daughter, each who live alone and could be at risk for isolation and loneliness, recently received a lifeline to conversation and companionship in the form of an artificial intelligence robot.

The women can now receive medical reminders, health and wellness check-ins, play music and games, and experience virtual travel.

“It’s helping with loneliness and socialization for people who would be otherwise trapped in their home watching TV all day,” Christopher Lewoc, case manager for Greene County Human Services in New York said. “It’s a way to keep people sane and active mentally and physically. It’s letting people live a more social life.”

Lewoc sets up free artificial intelligence care companions for older adults, giving them a lifeline to conversation and health reminders.

He recently installed ElliQ, voice-activated proactive and empathetic care companion, in the homes of the elderly mother and her daughter, giving them some companionship as they each live alone. He’s found that a little conversation may go a long way to helping to mitigate isolation and improve care for older adults.

Under a contract with the New York state Office for the Aging, Intuition Robotics is providing the ElliQ smart technology for about 800 older adults in an effort to battle social isolation and support aging-in-place. The ElliQ recipients need internet access for the free device to be set up in their home by a caseworker. The state works with local offices for the aging and partners to identify older adults who would most benefit from the technology

“ElliQ will greet them in the morning and ask them how they feel. If they slept poorly, ElliQ will say ‘would you like me to call your doctor?’ It’s interactive and helpful,” Lewoc said.

“It allows them to have a companion, engage in conversation and get reminders about drinking their water or whatever medications they need,” said Lewoc. “A lot of folks don’t have smartphones and ElliQ can show them photos, take them on trips to different countries and teach them about the culture. It can play trivia with you, call your family, play music to have a dance party.”

ElliQ responds to questions but also initiates conversation and questions, offers sleep relaxation exercises, physical activity exercises, nutrition-related chats and medication reminders for each user’s unique condition.

“This product does so many things to improve health, combat isolation, and improve overall well-being and independence. Designed with input from older adults, the future of supporting and serving older adults includes technology. The future is here,” said Greg Olsen, director for the New York state Office for the Aging.

“Despite misconceptions and generalizations, older adults embrace new technology, especially when they see it is designed by older adults to meet their needs,” Olsen said, adding that ElliQ served as a “powerful complement to traditional forms of social interaction and support from professional or family caregivers.”

The New York program and rising interest in AI companions comes as more older people want to age in place and finding home healthcare amid a persistent shortage of healthcare workers becomes increasingly difficult.

In 2017, the U.S. Surgeon General declared social isolation to be a “global epidemic” – one that only worsened in the COVID-19 health emergency. According to the AARP Public Policy Institute, social isolation drives $6.7 billion in additional associated Medicare spending per year.

Read: Opinion: What robots will mean for your retirement

Amid a report by the McKinsey Health Institute on healthy aging that found that nonclinical factors affect 80% of an individual’s health, Intuition Robotics sees great potential for ElliQ helping older adults age in place in a healthier way.

Users have an average of 20 daily interactions with ElliQ, according to Dor Skuler, CEO and co-founder of Intuition Robotics, a startup company based in Israel. ElliQ users report an 80% decrease in loneliness and 82% of users access the mental health features, Skuler said.

The new second-generation ElliQ offers users experiences such as museum exhibit tours and virtual travel. The new companion app provides users’ families and caregivers with different methods to communicate with the users and updates them on the user’s well-being.

Read: Opinion: This $3,000 dog could be a perfect gift for Grandma

Skuler called ElliQ a “lighthearted character that moves into the person’s home.” While Intuition Robotics has not marketed directly to consumers, it was named a Time Best Invention of the Year and word-of-mouth during the holidays has been good for business.

Outside of the New York state program, ElliQ can be had for a $249.99 enrollment fee, plus a monthly subscription of $29.99 if you buy a year subscription or $39.99 if you enroll month-to-month.

Intuition Robotics is talking with other states and senior living facilities about offering ElliQ in more places, as well working to measure how the conversational robot improves health outcomes to reduce the cost of care, Skuler said.

Of course, it’s a robot and not a human, so the interaction is limited.

“There’s a place for technology, but it’s no substitute for human interaction. We know the power of human touch and human interaction,” said Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger, a gerontologist and caregiver advocate for Home Instead Senior Care, a home care service agency. “Industrywide, the workforce is not at the level it needs to be at, so there’s a need for technology, but there has to be a balance.”

Do you have questions about retirement, Social Security, where to live or how to afford it at all? Write to HelpMeRetire@marketwatch.com and we may use your question in a future story.

**Limitations and Realities**
Despite their benefits, robotic pets are not a true substitute for human or animal presence.

Besides helping the visually impaired with guidance, what do working dogs provide that robotic pets cannot?

Technology experts and eldercare officials emphasize that while robotic pets can mitigate loneliness, they should not replace genuine social or family interaction.

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

Additionally, current robotic pets, while lifelike, can’t fully replicate the unpredictable, affectionate responsiveness of a live animal.

There are also accessibility and cost considerations, though some charitable programs and agencies offer donations or reduced-cost options.

**Public Attitudes and Ethical Considerations**
Public opinion is split on replacing real animals with robots.

For some seniors, robots can feel artificial or impersonal; others find real comfort in them.

The AI Cloud plan allows robotic dog Aibo to do what?

make interactions increasingly personal and unique

Ethical concerns focus on whether emotional care should be "outsourced" to devices and whether reliance on robots could decrease important human contact.

Experts suggest that robotic pets are best viewed as useful supplements—particularly valuable for those unable to have live pets—but not as complete replacements for living animals or human company.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

Why would the elderly opt for a robotic pet as a friend?

In summary, robotic pet companions offer significant emotional and social support to seniors, especially those vulnerable to loneliness or unable to care for a live animal.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

Why would the elderly opt for a robotic pet as a friend?

While not perfect, and accompanied by valid ethical questions, these AI-powered companions are increasingly being recognized as promising tools in senior wellness and emotional care.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

**Robotic Pet Companions: What Seniors Should Know**

**Current Products & Capabilities:**
- Robotic pets are rapidly evolving, moving from simple toys to complex companions.

Title:

Content: Paying bloggers
Blogs
Speis
A new series of robotic pets with individual AI training is now available to American users
advertising
Sony has unveiled an updated line of robotic dogs known as the Aibo Espresso Edition.
These cute tech quadrupeds are available for purchase directly through the company ’ s official platform.
After their successful introduction to the Japanese market last year, it is now the turn of the United States to meet advanced iron friends.
advertising
Presented in four colors, each Aibo comes complete with a three-year AI Cloud Plan, a special charging station, and a playful pink ball for entertainment.
Thanks to the AI Cloud Plan, Aibo is able to develop its unique characteristics and behaviors by learning through interaction with the host.
This technology allows the dog to recognize faces and remember the preferences of its owner, making communication with him more personal and unique.
The depth of the user ’ s interaction with Aibo determines how his personality traits will be formed, making each instance unique.
With the subscription, owners will also have the opportunity to update their Aibo software, teach it new commands and behavioral models.
At the end of the three-year free period of use, owners will be offered to switch to paid access to cloud services.
For full control and communication with Aibo outside the home, Sony offers the My aibo app, which opens up opportunities for virtual interaction, including feeding, playing, and teaching a robotic friend new tricks.
Residents of the United States can already become owners of their own Aibo Espresso Edition by visiting the Sony website and placing an order for $2,900.
Source: habr.com
+
Popular news

Companies like Sony, with the AI-powered Aibo dog, now offer robotic pets equipped with individual AI training, allowing these companions to develop distinct personalities and behaviors over time by learning from their owners.

The AI Cloud plan allows robotic dog Aibo to do what?

make interactions increasingly personal and unique

- Larger, more advanced robots, such as the Fourier GR-1 (165 cm tall, 55 kg), have been designed as human assistants, capable of carrying loads, moving at a walking pace, and providing companionship or therapy in medical and senior care settings.

Title:

Content: Fourier Intelligence has created the world ’ s first humanoid robot assistant for the elderly
By the end of the year, it is planned to release about 100 units of GR-1 humanoid robots.
In China, the company Fourier Intelligence showed a robot that can become an assistant in the care of the sick and elderly.
Fourier GR-1 received a height of 165 cm and a weight of 55 kg, the robot can move at a speed of 5 km / h and carries a load almost equal to its own weight.
The joints of the humanoid robot received electric drives, unlike the hydraulic systems of the Atlas robot from Boston Dynamics.
Fourier Intelligence positions its robot as an assistant for a person, it can be used in medical institutions in therapy, and it can also be a company for a lonely elderly person.
All robots released this year will be sent to research laboratories, where they will make robots better through training for various tasks.
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What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

- Other robots, such as guide-dog models, have been developed to assist visually impaired people—responding to leash commands and helping navigate spaces, though they still fall short of fully replacing real guide dogs due to safety and decision-making challenges.

Title:

Content: Stories
Scientists have developed a guide robot that responds to the leash
Stories
Elena Likhanova
Senior Editor RB.RU
Elena Likhanova
Guide dogs are a real salvation for visually impaired people, but it takes years to train them.
Researchers from Binghamton University have proposed their solution - a robot that will help the user navigate in space and will respond to its signals.
Scientists have developed a guide robot that responds to the leash
The All-Seeing Eye
Researchers have created a robotic equivalent of a guide dog for the visually impaired, which can even react when a user pulls it on a leash.
In the experiments, the robot dog, developed by researchers at Binghamton University, was able to guide a person along the corridor, reacting to input data, such as light tremors, to avoid obstacles.
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The goal is to come up with a cheaper and more affordable alternative to live dogs being trained to help people with visual impairments.
Historically, guide dogs have been in great deficit.
Their training can take years, which is why they are very expensive.
"We were surprised that in the visually impaired and blind communities, so few people can use a real guide dog throughout their lives," said team leader Shiki Zhang, a professor of computer science at Binghamton.
Follow the robot
Over time, the robot can learn to react to the leash, which is not much different from teaching a real dog a new trick.
“In about 10 hours of training, these robots are able to navigate indoors, guide people, avoid obstacles and at the same time feel the tension of the leash, ” adds Zhang.
But in addition to the fact that the robot dog can guide a visually impaired person along the corridor, it will not soon be able to replace the guide.
First, the team hopes to “add a natural language interface, ” according to Zhang, that would allow users to communicate with the robot to get help.
“For example, if I ’ m visually impaired and I tell a robot dog to get on the roadway, I ’ d like the robot to understand that, ” Zhang says.
He suggests that in the future, the guide dog will help visually impaired people navigate public places, such as shopping malls and airports, improving their accessibility.
The researcher compares this to shared bicycles on campus.
Source.
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- Innovative creations like the Lola robot blend AI, machine learning, and multi-functionality, offering tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and even emotional support, all within a humanoid (or pet-like) body.

Title:

Content: Summary:
Lola ’ s robot is an innovative creation that revolutionized the field of robotics.
The purpose of this article is to give a complete picture of what Lola ’ s robot is, its features and potential applications.
Lola ’ s robot is an ultramodern humanoid robot developed by a team of engineers and researchers.
It combines advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, machine learning, and advanced equipment to perform a wide range of tasks.
Lola ’ s robot is able to transform various industries and improve people ’ s quality of life, from helping with household chores to providing friendly services.
Introduction:
Lola ’ s robot represents a significant breakthrough in robotics.
It is designed to mimic human movements and interactions, making it an ideal companion for people of all ages.
Thanks to its advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, Lola ’ s robot can understand and respond to voice commands, recognize faces, and adapt to different environments.
Its versatile design allows it to perform tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and even providing emotional support.
Features and features:
The Lola robot boasts an impressive set of features and capabilities that distinguish it from traditional robots.
Its humanoid design allows it to move easily in difficult conditions, using sensors and cameras to perceive the environment.
Lola ’ s robot, equipped with a natural language processing system, can engage in meaningful conversations and provide users with relevant information.
His agility allows him to manipulate objects and perform complex tasks, making him a valuable asset in various industries.
Potential applications:
The potential applications of the Lola robot are vast and diverse.
In the healthcare sector, the Lola robot can help healthcare workers by monitoring patients, reminding them to take medications, and providing support to those who need them.
At home, he can take on housework, freeing up time for people to focus on other activities.
Lola ’ s robot can also be used in education, where it can act as a mentor or mentor, providing a personalized learning experience.
In addition, it has the potential to be used in industries such as hospitality, retail and customer service, which will improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
FAQ:
Question: How does Lola ’ s robot learn?
Answer: The Lola robot uses machine learning algorithms to continuously improve its performance.
It can learn from user interaction, adapt to individual preferences, and expand its capabilities over time.
Question: Is Lola ’ s robot capable of making decisions on its own?
A: Yes, the Lola robot is equipped with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms that allow it to make autonomous decisions based on an understanding of the environment and user actions.
However, it is designed with user security in mind and follows predetermined ethical principles.
Q: Is it possible to configure Lola 's robot?
A: Yes, Lola 's robot can be customized according to individual needs and preferences.
Users can personalize its appearance, voice, and even skill set to suit specific requirements.
Question: What measures are being taken to ensure user privacy and data security?
Answer: The developers of the Lola robot give priority to user privacy and data security.
All user data is encrypted and securely stored, and strict privacy policies are in place to protect user information.
Conclusion:
The Lola robot represents a significant advance in robotics, combining advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, machine learning and advanced equipment.
Its humanoid design combined with versatile capabilities opens up a whole world of possibilities in various industries.
From healthcare to education and beyond, Lola ’ s robot can change how we live and work.
As technology continues to evolve, Lola ’ s robot is a testament to the incredible possibilities that lie ahead in the field of robotics.
sources:
– [www.lolarobot.com] (https: / / www.lolarobot.com)
– [www.roboticsnews.com] (https: / / www.roboticsnews.com)

- In the US, it's now common to see rental and sales of such robotic companions in the commercial and eldercare sectors.

Title:

Content: Neighbors from the future: the top 5 most unusual robots
2: 58
The flight of human imagination is not limited.
Every day, scientists and developers offer us new ideas in the field of robotics that allow us to solve both local human assignments and perform important tasks in various sectors of the economy.
We offer a selection of the 5 most unusual robots ever presented to the general public.
What are the specifics of these robots, how functional they are - this is what Pravda readers will learn about.
Andrey Natashkin, founder and CEO of Mirey Robotics, will tell Ru.
Top 5 Most Unusual Robots
Robot Cats and Robot Dogs
The first prototypes of robot dogs appeared in the 60s of the twentieth century.
These models were used primarily for military purposes.
There was hardly any external resemblance.
They were called dogs conditionally, because the prototype was able to perform several commands.
At a serious level, the development of robotic dogs began to engage the Japanese manufacturer of equipment SONY.
In 1993, the company announced the development of a robotic dog.
And only 6 years later, the AIBO robot was released on the market, which means “friend ” in Japanese.
Initially, the project was not commercial in nature, but the active interest from the market forced the company to look at its development from a new angle.
Even then, it became clear that the robot dog can be used in the context of several spheres.
On the one hand, this is an excellent demonstration of the development of the IT industry.
On the other hand, robots have taken a significant share in the market for children ’ s toys.
In addition, marketers saw the potential of using dogs in brand PR campaigns.
In 2017, a new model of the dog from SONY was presented, which already fully fits into the concept of IoT (Internet of Things) in the framework of personal use.
The robot using Wi-Fi and LTE is controlled using an application installed on the user ’ s smartphone.
The development of robotic dogs is not limited to SONY.
In 2005, Boston Dynamics brought to the market robotic dogs performing tasks for the military.
The development has proven itself extremely well in dangerous and hard-to-reach locations.
After 11 years, the Swiss developer introduced his product to the market - ANYbotics dog, which performed a large layer of tasks in the industrial direction.
Three years ago, the Vision 60 was presented, which was already equipped with weapons for combat.
An interesting project was presented by the world developer Xiaomi, who in his robot tried to keep two directions - personal use and industrial-military.
This was achieved through open source.
“Children and adults are always touched by robot dogs.
We see it from our practice.
At our exhibitions, real queues are lined up for such robots.
There are 8 such dogs in the park.
If we talk about the modern market, then I would single out the Go1 robot from the Chinese manufacturer Unitree Robotics.
In terms of its characteristics, it is not inferior to the Japanese, but the price is much lower.
Cats are not a simple story.
Historically, robotics has evolved dogs.
There are cats in the market.
Some models are similar to dogs in their technology.
Other models try to imitate external similarities and are more like children ’ s soft toys, ” notes Andrei Natashkin.
Housekeeping Assistant Robots
Homework is a tiresome task for most people.
Therefore, it is quite logical that robotics is trying to shift some of the household tasks to robots.
One of the most famous developments is the PR2 robot from Willow Garage.
It was developed on the basis of Stanford University.
Initially, the robot performed simple operations, for example, cut fruits and vegetables.
He was later taught:
• oven pancakes,
• open the doors,
• fold towels,
• load the laundry into the washing machine.
Another interesting development is a robot gardener Wall-Ye from France.
The robot literally controls the entire crop.
It is sold in different configurations - both for personal use and for the agricultural sector.
Telepresence robots
The coronavirus pandemic actualized remote technologies, when most people were forced to isolate themselves and arrange a working space inside an apartment.
The Wehead robot was presented on the market.
Due to several displays and rotation mechanisms, this robot reproduces all the elements of a personal meeting.
A person sees completely the face of his interlocutor in full size, emotions and reactions, all gestures.
In fact, in front of you is the head of your interlocutor, who can communicate from anywhere in the world.
The only requirement is Wi-Fi.
“The real trend has been the rental and purchase of such robots for the commercial segment in the United States.
Given the trend for remote work, this robot is very relevant, ” the expert stressed.
Humanoid robots
Humanoid robots are often called androids.
It is believed that for robotics - this is one of the most difficult areas.
For the first time such a robot was introduced by the Japanese concern Honda in the early 2000s.
A significant disadvantage was the lack of face.
Since then, it is the imitation of facial expressions and live communication that has become a key skill of humanoid robots.
Several experimental models have been released, but one of the most successful cases is the Sophia robot from developers from Hong Kong.
The project was presented in 2015.
The robot can copy gestures and emotions, answer questions.
Sophia has more than 60 different emotions in her arsenal.
And the neural network that is embedded in it is constantly evolving, accumulating new data.
In fact, the more people Sofia embraces, the smarter it gets.
The development was very loudly presented in the world market.
Sofia took part in the largest business events, TV programs.
He also obtained Saudi citizenship.
There are only two such robots in the world.
And one of them we presented at our exhibition in North Carolina.
Sofia is an excellent synthesis of robotics and artificial intelligence.
This is a really interesting object.
I have seen many different developments of humanoid robots due to my activity, but I can say unequivocally - Sofia is one of the flagships.
I would also single out the humanoid robot Ameca from the UK, ” notes Andrei Natashkin.
Robots as Players
In 2010, the world got acquainted with a project from Vietnam - a robot TOSY, which skillfully plays table tennis.
TOSY ’ s artificial intelligence helps him make decisions about the strike technique most suitable for a given moment in the game.
TOSY does not need to rest, because he does not get tired.
He is not distracted from the game, because table tennis is his primary goal.
There are a lot of sports games in the robotics market.
Robots are designed for gymnastics, running, high jump, basketball, baseball, swimming.
Football is a separate direction.
A few years ago, football robots developed at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology won the Robot Soccer Championship.
“I recently got acquainted with a very interesting development – this is self-propelled chess with artificial intelligence technology.
It is clear that we have long known that you can play this intellectual game with a computer, but here the developers went much further.
Introduced Bluetooth into the chessboard, magnets for the movement of figures, lighting for the training mode.
A person has a complete feeling that he is playing chess with a real person.
There is no man in front.
And everything is done by the neural network, ” the expert says.
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Author Irina Gusakova
Irina Gusakova — columnist of Pravda.Ru

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

**How They’re Used:**
- **Emotional and Social Support:** Robotic pets ease feelings of loneliness and encourage social interaction for the elderly or those in isolated situations, offering companionship without the need for physical care or pet feeding.

Title:

Content: Robots in the future will serve as a dog for the elderly or lonely people – scientists
Robots that in the future will support the elderly or lonely, should build relationships with the owner not as people, but as dogs.
In the future, this concept will be applied by developers.
Scientists from the University of Glasgow have made relevant conclusions based on new research.
This is reported on September 29 in the magazine PLOS ONE.
Scottish researchers surveyed more than 150 dog breeders and found that there are seven of the most commonly cited factors most closely related to animals.
These include the ability to communicate, the predictability of reactions, the physical signs of attachment, a positive, sometimes even enthusiastic approach, a propensity for joint activities, a sense of intimacy and, finally, the ability to adapt to each other.
Perhaps robots that behave this way will be approved.
The researchers suggest that embedding this type of behavior into robot software will allow them to provide their owners with the same experience and health benefits as friendship with a real animal, without the attendant responsibilities.
This will allow the technique to be used effectively.
"Our approach has allowed us to gain knowledge about the factors that make people so enjoy the company of dogs.
Although it will not be easy to recreate such behavior in robots, it can help in creating friendships for wards, ” the authors said.
In the next phase of the study, a team led by Katie Riddock intends to conduct tests involving humans and robots behaving like dogs.
An additional topic of study may also be the dependence of preferences of different types of dog behavior depending on the age, origin and environment of specific people.
Earlier, Cursor reported that engineers have created a robot that searches for lost things.
The system uses visual information from video cameras, as well as radio private signals, so it is highly efficient.
Read the latest news from Israel and the world on the Kursor channel in Telegram.
Author of the material:
TAGS:

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

Why would the elderly opt for a robotic pet as a friend?

- **Therapeutic Settings:** In medical environments, these robots assist in patient therapy, memory care, and even support remote medical consultations by enhancing connectivity and interaction.

Title:

Content: Science and technology
Healthy interest.
Technology is already helping to save millions of lives.
What is the medicine of the future?
Futurologists predict that we are living on the verge of a technological singularity — an era in which the development of technology becomes so unstoppable that it radically changes human civilization.
Medicine will also change, since it depends entirely on technical development, new inventions and scientific discoveries.
About future changes - in the joint project "Tape.ru" and Sber.
After 30 years, a person will wake up, as usual, to take a shower.
But the shower will essentially be a robot equipped with a CT scanner and sensors that track dozens of health indicators.
This data will be analyzed by artificial intelligence and then checked by a specialist.
After that, the person will receive an injection of a specially selected drug “cocktail ” of anti-inflammatory drugs.
When the shower turns on, the user already feels a positive effect...
So describes the near future Miles Romney, one of the founders of the company eVisit, engaged in the development of medical software.
Romney is sure that medicine is waiting for colossal changes.
It will combine with information technology, artificial intelligence and robotics.
The patient will no longer need to personally come to the hospital and wait in line to the doctor ’ s office to consult with a specialist and find out the diagnosis.
And all this will be possible, including through telemedicine.
In its importance, humanity was convinced in 2020, when the entire planet faced the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has played a role in ensuring the safety of both patients and doctors.
According to experts, online consultations allowed not only to save time, but also to significantly reduce the cost of transportation of seriously ill patients.
In the UK alone, according to the NHS, over half a billion pounds were saved in a year.
But humanity ’ s journey to telemedicine has been a long one.
At a distance
The origin of telemedicine can be considered the end of the XIX century, when there was a wired connection.
In 1897, a doctor diagnosed a child in the middle of the night on the phone.
The Lancet magazine, which wrote about this, then for the first time raised the question of the possibility of remote observation of patients.
A few decades later, in 1925, inventor Hugo Gernsbeck, publisher of the journal Science and Invention, predicted that in the future, doctors would be able to treat patients remotely using a device he called a “teledactyl. ”
This ingenious unit was a long and thin finger-manipulators that are connected to other similar manipulators at a distance and repeat their movement.
With their help, the doctor could remotely feel the patient, watching him through a huge screen.
According to Gernsbeck, the teledactyl could measure body temperature, pulse, listen to the lungs and almost instantly transmit data to the doctor.
The doctor could write a prescription by asking the patient to put a pen in the fingers of the teledactyl.
Gernsbeck literally anticipated modern technology.
He understood that telephones, radio and television would completely change many aspects of a person ’ s daily life.
His teledactyl is the same pre-existing surgical robot with which a doctor can perform surgery without being in the operating room next to the patient.
Robotic surgery began to develop in the 1980s, 55 years after Gernsback ’ s prediction.
One of the most successful surgical systems was the Da Vinci device, the development of which was funded by the US Army.
Initially, it was planned that such a system would conduct operations in hot spots, in fact directly on the battlefield, thereby reducing combat losses, while the operator-surgeon, controlling the robot with the help of telemedicine elements, is in another place.
A prototype was created - a mobile tool with robotic surgical equipment, where a wounded soldier was placed.
The doctor could perform operations while being in a nearby mobile hospital.
The development has been successfully tested on animals, but its widespread implementation remains a matter of the future.
However, robotic operations have already become a reality: the first was carried out in 2001 with the help of the Da Vinci system.
By 2012, more than 200,000 surgical operations had been performed, and by 2020, there were about 5,000 Da Vinci operating surgical robots in the world.
The list of possible operations that robots are already performing is staggering: from the restoration of heart tissue and the treatment of intervertebral hernias to the removal of tumors and open operations on the brain.
Robots don ’ t have to be surgeons.
They can become a kind of “teledactyl on wheels ”, that is, to help doctors examine patients remotely.
Autonomous robots will move from one room to another, and if necessary, automatically return to the docking station for charging, saving the time of a doctor or nurse.
Such robots should have artificial intelligence (AI) and vision, which will allow you to recognize possible obstacles and lay routes through the corridors of the hospital.
One of these remote presence robots is Dr Rho, developed by the Indian company Vyas Labs.
It consists of a mobile case and a screen for communication between the patient and the doctor.
The device is equipped with a visual system that tracks gestures and movements of the doctor, a set of manipulators and medical instruments: an electronic stethoscope, a tonometer, a thermometer, an ECG and a pulse oximeter.
Another robot, Stevie, helps care for the elderly by playing and interacting with them.
Equipped with autonomous navigation, Stevie can navigate the corridors of a nursing home without assistance.
It is able to recognize simple voice commands — such as “Help me ” — and alert staff to the need for emergency care.
Always in touch
Humanity is entering the era of ultra-fast Internet and cloud technology.
Communication is becoming more reliable and secure, and the quality of telemedicine services is also improving.
Artificial intelligence helps the doctor in identifying pathologies, making a diagnosis, analyzing images and research results, it can free doctors from routine processes and generally improve the quality of medical services.
For example, if the AI reveals that the indicators are different from the norm, it can draw the attention of the attending physician to this, saving precious time.
In addition, AI can help in another important aspect of treatment — taking medication.
In the future, it will monitor the treatment regimen and reduce the likelihood of non-compliance with the doctor ’ s recommendations.
However, according to the Vice President, head of the healthcare industry of Sberbank Yuri Krestinsky, already today, the developments of Sberbank help doctors and medical personnel in daily work, removing and optimizing routine processes.
“Sberbank MedII together with the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory of Sberbank has created a service“ CT of the Lungs ”, — leads another example Krestinsky. — The service is aimed at finding pathologies, including those caused by COVID-19, as well as segmentation of areas of affected lung tissue with an indication of the extent of the lesion: it makes it possible to identify patients with changes in the lungs in viral pneumonia, allows you to estimate the volume in a few seconds and the extent of these changes. "
However, this is where the unique developments of Sber come to an end.
In particular, Yuri Krestinsky tells about the service "CT Stroke":
“Based on AI algorithms, it automatically marks CT images and allows you to quickly and accurately assess both the type of stroke and the degree of damage.
It helps doctors, regardless of their experience and knowledge, make quick and consistent treatment decisions.
These and many other products and solutions of Sberbank MedII, as well as other companies of the Sberbank ecosystem and partners, are united on a single platform - Medical Digital Diagnostic Center (MDDC).
The platform is created to help doctors in making diagnoses and making medical decisions based on data of primary reception, instrumental and laboratory diagnostics.
In many regions of Russia, hospitals already use another artificial intelligence product – Voice2Med (the development of the MDG group), which allows you to fill in medical documents in real time, transforming the doctor ’ s voice into text.
During the study, the doctor with the help of a special microphone dictates information that is instantly deciphered and automatically transferred to the open protocol of the medical information system, ” explains Krestinsky.
The Voice2Med solution from the MDG group of companies is successfully used in medical institutions in 30 regions of Russia, it can be used by doctors of different directions.
Voice2Med is most actively used by radiologists.
The Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine recorded in medical organizations of the Moscow Department of Health a reduction in the time for the preparation of medical protocols by 22 percent.
Physicians-radiologists of Moscow with the help of speech recognition technology prepared more than 95 thousand protocols.
And since this year, two new dictionaries of medical terms have been added: the surgeon ’ s dictionary used when filling out patient diaries, protocols of operations, in emergency rest, and the cardiologist ’ s dictionary.
Another voice robot from the CRT group of companies helps to optimize the work of medical institutions, save doctor ’ s time and focus on a detailed examination of the patient, communication with him.
A virtual assistant can remind about the appointment to the doctor - will save time of canceled or postponed appointments for other patients and increase the efficiency of loading medical institutions, which is especially important today.
During a call with a reminder of the recording, the robot can advise on the preparation for the procedure and collect symptoms.
Some algorithms in the world can conduct examinations and help the doctor make diagnoses.
For example, the AI analyzes the patient ’ s medical records and offers treatment according to them.
And this is not a forecast for the future, but a real development.
IBM Watson Health is already being used to draw up treatment plans for cancer patients at the Jupiter Hospital in Florida.
Watson is able to study patient histories and suggest treatment options, as well as analyze the effectiveness of current treatment to ultimately determine the therapy that will give the best results.
Such personalization will be a key feature of the medicine of the future.
Telemedicine is one of the promising technologies that is being actively implemented in Russia, helping a large number of patients to receive high-quality and convenient service without leaving home.
Telemedicine service Sberbank Health monthly conducts more than 60 thousand consultations.
The platform for remote monitoring has been implemented in more than 38 regions of Russia and provides more than 50 thousand patients with remote monitoring of COVID-19 and chronic non-communicable diseases.
Its launch fell on the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, so many patients were able to get help at a time when the burden on doctors increased greatly and specialists could not devote much time to each patient.
Since April 2020, telemedicine doctors have been monitoring the health of tens of thousands of people online.
During this time, almost five thousand patients with deterioration of health were identified.
The total number of consultations exceeded 20 thousand, and the average duration of the “reception ” was about 15 minutes.
By the power of thought
The patient is not always able to move freely.
He may suffer from a variety of serious neuromuscular disorders, be paralyzed, and not be able to tell his doctor what is bothering him.
To improve the standard of living of such patients, neurointerfaces are being developed that will allow a person to exchange information directly with a computer and other devices, such as a prosthesis or even an exoskeleton that allows movement.
Neurointerfaces, together with virtual reality technologies, can serve for the rehabilitation of patients who have experienced a stroke and have lost the ability to move normally.
The device reads brain signals when a person wants, for example, to raise his hand, and with the help of electrical muscle stimulation causes the limb to move in the right direction.
In this case, the patient can be inside the VR environment, in which he must perform certain tasks - for example, take a virtual ball or perform simple exercises.
Currently, brain-computer interfaces are at an early stage of development, but it is already possible to imagine networks connecting the brain of several people to exchange information literally with the power of thought.
Such applications can be a breakthrough in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, when a person experiences difficulties in communicating with other people, up to a complete inability to social contacts.
There are already artificial organs of perception – for example, a cochlear implant, which is brought to the auditory nerve and allows you to compensate for severe hearing loss if conventional hearing aids are powerless.
It is estimated that about 2.2 million amputees live in the United States alone.
To return a full life to people who have lost limbs, prostheses help.
However, artificial arms or legs can be uncomfortable, unreliable, or painful, forcing patients to give them up.
At the same time, in scientific and futuristic fiction, prostheses are almost no different from real limbs and even provide users with additional opportunities.
One of the important tasks is to give the patient full control over the prosthesis and the possibility of feedback with it.
This problem lies in the same area as neural interfaces.
There are already prototypes of neuroprostheses that have grids of electrodes placed in nerves, muscles and the brain.
When a patient with tetraplegia (paralysis of the arms and legs) tries to move his arm or imagines how he moves it, the neural activity corresponding to this movement occurs in the motor cortex.
The neuroprosthesis can read this activity, decipher it and perform the desired action.
In 2016, scientists first tested a prototype of an advanced neuroprosthesis called the Utah Array on a 28-year-old patient with tetraplegia, Natana Copeland.
He was paralyzed after a car accident and retained only the ability to move his forearm.
Copeland became the first person in the world to be implanted with electrodes in the motor and somatosensory cortex, as a result of which he could not only move the prosthesis, but also to some extent feel it.
Nathan was able to feel the touch of the various fingers of the robotic device as his own limb.
This interface was bidirectional, meaning the signals went from the prosthesis to the brain (touch) and from the brain to the prosthesis (hand movement).
To the deepest depths
Perhaps, in a few decades, medicine will reach such heights that we will compare the end of the 20th century with the dark ages.
And then the futuristic showers of Miles Romney will not only take simple tests and give medicinal cocktails, but also determine the genetic characteristics of the user.
It is possible that they will be able to carry out the simplest gene therapy, and also fight with mutated cells and tumors.
And telemedicine in the future will not only reduce the contact of patients with each other in hospitals and clinical centers, but also lead to the complete disappearance of some infections.
All we have to do is wait.
The future is already here

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

- **Functional Assistance:** Some models help with daily chores and mobility—retrieving items, moving around the house, and providing reminders or communication (e.g., "Wehead" robot for remote video chat).

Title:

Content: Science and technology
Today at 17: 07
1 min.
A really useful home robot is presented
It's pretty simple, but it's good.
Startup Labrador Systems presented at CES 2022 robots for the house, which look realistic and do not overestimate expectations.
In fact, they are unmanned regiments.
The new robots are called Caddie and Retriever.
They are designed to help around the house, can bring you the necessary items.
Both robots are the size of a side table and are equipped with wheels and sensors that allow them to move around the house.
Owners will have to set up several “stops ” (for example,“ in the kitchen ” and “at the couch ”), and robots will move between these places on command, automatically bypassing obstacles and people.
Both bots can be controlled by apps or via voice commands via integration with Alexa.
The maximum load of robots is about 11 kg.
They are automatically charged overnight.
The Retriever model can go up and down on its own and can grab trays.
Such robots can be especially useful for people with disabilities.
Source: The Verge
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**Public Attitudes & Ethical Concerns:**
- While many embrace robotic pets for their ability to reduce loneliness and support independence, there is ongoing debate about the ethical implications of “replacing” living animals with machines.

Title:

Content: Summary:
Robots have come a long way in terms of the ability to mimic human behavior.
With advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, robots are becoming increasingly adept at mimicking human actions, gestures, and even emotions.
This article explores the current state of robot mimicry, the problems associated with it, and the potential implications for various industries and society at large.
Can robots imitate humans?
Robots have made significant strides in mimicking human behavior, but the question remains: can they really replicate the complexity of human actions and emotions?
Although robots can mimic certain aspects of human behavior, work on achieving a complete and smooth simulation is still under development.
One of the key challenges in robot mimicry is the ability to accurately understand and interpret human gestures and facial expressions.
People communicate through a wide range of nonverbal cues, such as facial expression, body language, and tone of voice.
Teaching robots to recognize these signals and respond to them naturally and intuitively is a challenging task.
However, recent advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning have paved the way for significant improvements in robot mimicry.
By training robots on huge amounts of data and using sophisticated algorithms, the researchers were able to improve their ability to mimic human actions and gestures with a higher degree of accuracy.
Robots that simulate humans have found application in various industries.
In healthcare, robots are being developed to help care for patients, providing communication and emotional support.
These robots are designed to mimic human behavior, such as maintaining eye contact, showing empathy, and responding to emotional cues.
This can be especially beneficial for people who need long-term care or suffer from social isolation.
In the entertainment industry, films and performances use robots that can simulate human movements.
These robots can play complex dance numbers or tricks that would be difficult for human performers.
Their ability to accurately mimic human actions opens up new opportunities for creative expression and entertainment.
However, the concept of robot mimicry also raises ethical concerns.
As robots become more human-like in appearance and behavior, there is a risk of blurring the boundaries between humans and machines.
This could have implications for issues such as confidentiality, consent and potential exploitation of vulnerable persons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question: Can robots imitate human emotions?
A: While robots can mimic certain emotions, achieving authentic replication of human emotions is still a challenge.
Emotions are deeply rooted in human experience and consciousness, making it difficult for robots to fully understand and reproduce them.
Question: Are there any restrictions on the imitation of robots?
Answer: Yes, imitation robots have limitations.
Robots can find it difficult to accurately interpret subtle human gestures and facial expressions, and their facial expressions may lack the nuances and spontaneity of human behavior.
In addition, robots may not have the same underlying motives or intentions as humans when imitating certain actions.
Question: What are the potential consequences of robot mimicry?
A: Robot mimicry could revolutionize industries such as healthcare, entertainment, and customer service.
However, it also raises ethical concerns regarding the boundaries between humans and machines, privacy, and the possibility of exploitation.
Question: What research is being conducted in the field of robot mimicry?
Answer: Researchers are actively working to improve the mimicry of robots through advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision.
They are exploring ways to enhance the ability of robots to more accurately interpret and respond to human gestures, emotions, and social cues.
sources:
– “Mimicry of robots: challenges and opportunities ” – Robotics today
– “Advances in robot mimicry and human-robot interaction ” – IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

Concerns include:
    - **Authenticity of Companionship:** Can robots truly replace the emotional bonds formed with real pets?

- **Data Privacy & Security:** As these devices often rely on AI and cloud connectivity, there are questions about how personal data (especially sensitive medical or emotional data) is gathered, stored, and protected.

- **Dependence & Oversight:** Some experts warn that excessive reliance on robots could lead to reduced human contact and oversight, especially for vulnerable seniors.

Title:

Content: Fourier Intelligence has created the world ’ s first humanoid robot assistant for the elderly
By the end of the year, it is planned to release about 100 units of GR-1 humanoid robots.
In China, the company Fourier Intelligence showed a robot that can become an assistant in the care of the sick and elderly.
Fourier GR-1 received a height of 165 cm and a weight of 55 kg, the robot can move at a speed of 5 km / h and carries a load almost equal to its own weight.
The joints of the humanoid robot received electric drives, unlike the hydraulic systems of the Atlas robot from Boston Dynamics.
Fourier Intelligence positions its robot as an assistant for a person, it can be used in medical institutions in therapy, and it can also be a company for a lonely elderly person.
All robots released this year will be sent to research laboratories, where they will make robots better through training for various tasks.
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**Limitations:**
- Robotic pets, while clever and interactive, still cannot perfectly mimic the nuanced behavior and affection of real animals.

Their therapeutic effectiveness varies and may not replace the physical touch and unpredictability of live pets.

- Advanced guide and service robots are still years away from fully matching the adaptability and loyalty of trained animals, especially in complex or emergency situations.

- Ongoing costs may apply; for example, after initial purchase, some robots require subscription fees for continued access to AI cloud services.

**Conclusion:**
Robotic pet companions are increasingly available and can be profoundly beneficial for seniors, especially those seeking companionship or additional support at home.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

However, it’s important to recognize their current limitations and ethical considerations, balancing innovation with human interaction and careful oversight.

**Robotic Pet Companions for Seniors: Snapshot of Current Trends, Benefits, and Challenges**

**1.

Title:

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7 Weirdest Robots That Science Has Reached “You ’ ll Never Imagine ”
© Photo / pixabay / mariananbuA bee-shaped robot with a fan
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Scientific robotics companies are competing to create sophisticated models that can meet many different needs, especially in medicine and other fields.
The large and massive development in the field of artificial intelligence, chips and complex mechanics supported by advanced technology contributes to increasing the speed of development of robots and the multiplicity of their varieties and sizes, which has produced a series of very strange robots, the most prominent of which are:
1- Metabird Robot
The MetaBird robot is a drone, almost indistinguishable from real birds, and is based on the principle of biomimicry from Bionic Bird.
The principle of biomimicry is the successful and accurate replication of the properties or mechanisms of action of things that already exist in nature.
The bird-shaped aircraft weighs less than 10 grams and has no propellers, making it safe to maneuver. It is also equipped with flexible wings made of carbon fiber and liquid crystal polymers. The body itself is made of durable foam, so it is not affected by water and shocks. It is equipped with a battery to help it fly for 10 minutes and is controlled by a mobile device.
Robot (Bat Bot).
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have recreated key bat flight mechanisms and embedded them into the Batbot.
The robot weighs about 93 grams and flies with wings made of an easily stretchable silicone membrane.
The robot can simply change the shape of the wings, bend and disassemble them, and can fold the shoulders, elbows, wrists and legs.
The computer and sensors are embedded in the Batbot head, and there are five precision motors along the spine.
It provides him with the ability to mimic flying mammals well by controlling him with a special device.
Researchers suggest that thanks to flexible wings, robotic bats are more energy efficient than other flying robots.
Lightweight and agile, these robots are useful as traditional quadcopters can collide with objects or people causing damage or injury, such as on construction sites.
3. Salamander Robot "BlueRobot"
The "Pleurobot" robot, created by researchers at the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL), can walk on the ground, swim underwater and navigate between the two with similar success to the amphibian salamander.
To develop the robot, scientists used salamander X-rays and studied how its skeleton worked during movement.
The low center of gravity, which allows the robot to move on rough terrain without losing balance, also provides the ability to swim and can make it a useful tool for search and rescue operations.
The researchers also plan to study the interaction between the spinal cord, the body and the environment.
According to the project leader, Olek Eisbert, understanding the basis of this interaction will help develop neuroprosthetic therapies and devices for those with hemiplegia and amputation.
4. The water snake robot "Elum"
The snake-like body allows the robot to move effectively not only on the ground, but also in the water.
The Norwegian robotics company has borrowed the nickname "Eelume" to design an autonomous autonomous robot.
His slim, flexible body gave him the ability to work in confined spaces where conventional underwater vehicles could not get in.
Eelume is suitable for inspections and light repairs of underwater structures such as offshore wind farms, fish farms, oil and gas installations and pipelines.
The device consists of modules that can be interconnected in different groups depending on the task.
The robot is shipped from the docking station on the seabed so that it can stay underwater continuously and not depend on weather conditions.
The cockroach robot "CRAM"
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a prototype of a roach-like CRAM robot.
The design of the robot was inspired by the unique way insects move and are immune to damage.
The robot has an exoskeleton made up of strong panels and a soft cover that allows it to change shape and adapt to very narrow gaps.
Such a robot could help search for and rescue people under rubble formed as a result of hurricanes, earthquakes and explosions.
6. Pet Robots
These robots work on the principle of interactive communication between humans and robots with the aim of improving the quality of life of the elderly, such as the robot "AIBO" from Sony.
An example of this is also the robot dog produced by the company "Tombot".
This robot is almost like a real Labrador puppy and, according to the developers, should solve the problem of elderly people who need a friend, but are unable to care for a living dog.
The company ’ s founder was inspired by his mother, who suffered from Alzheimer ’ s disease and was no longer able to care for her dog, with whom she was so attached.
The dog became aggressive towards its mother, exacerbating the woman's depression and loneliness.
Accompanying robots could solve loneliness and social isolation in older adults and people with cognitive disabilities, as part of a study funded by the American insurance company.
7- The therapeutic robot "PARO"
PARO is one of the most important humanoid therapeutic robots developed by Dr. Takanori Shibata, of Japan ’ s National Institute of Industrial Science and Advanced Technology.
The robot is similar to a children's toy, except that it has sound, light, temperature, position, sensors and touch sensors.
PARO can move its tail and fins, open its eyes when caressed, and imitate the sounds of a real seal.
It reacts to words that its owner frequently uses and can express emotions such as surprise, happiness and anger.
Communication with the robot "PARO" has the same effect as the treatment provided by real animals.
Patients showed improvement in psychological and physiological factors, as well as social activity.
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Products on the Market:**
- **PARO**: An AI-powered robotic seal, responsive to touch and sound.

It moves its tail, opens its eyes, and mimics real animal sounds when interacted with.

How is Oppo marketing its Robotic dog Qric?

Scottish researchers believe what will provide benefits to owners of robotic dogs without accompanying responsibilities?

What can Dynamic 1, a robotic dog by Tecno, do?

many features to enhance owner interaction

Used extensively in therapeutic settings, particularly for seniors with dementia.

Title:

Content: Countdown to Expo 2020 Dubai
Developing a Mental Health Monitoring System for Senior Citizens with Artificial Intelligence
The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has completed its Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (AI) programs to develop a mental health monitoring system for senior citizens and contribute to the early diagnosis of incurable brain diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer ’ s.
The University ’ s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory, which is part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) system being adopted by the UAE University, also works through the establishment of five core laboratories to support the process of the fourth industrial revolution in the country.
Keep up
Dr. Fadi Al Najjar, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering and Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Laboratory, stressed that UAEU is keen to keep pace with the development of educational technologies and enhance the role of artificial intelligence in modern academic studies and programs.
He said that the programs of artificial intelligence laboratories at the university, which has been completed, is to work on the development of the mental health monitoring system for senior citizens, and predict the future development of their cases, based on the robot "Abusif", which was designed and developed in the laboratory, and with technical support from Microsoft in the Middle East and Africa.
The robot will talk to potential patients, notice changes in their facial expressions, the fluidity of their speech, and the speed of their response to various stimuli, and give clinical reports on the extent of the risk of cognitive impairment.
Diagnosis
The researchers predict that artificial intelligence and deep learning will have the greatest role in diagnosing diseases more quickly and accurately, which may exceed human capabilities.
Smart home robots will monitor and assist seniors and people with disabilities in daily life activities, such as making sure they are taking medication, helping them prepare their food, helping them exercise and move, following up on their daily activities, and creating daily reports of their cases to speed up medical intervention in time of need.
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For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What can Dynamic 1, a robotic dog by Tecno, do?

many features to enhance owner interaction

- **Tombot**: A realistic robot dog, designed as a companion for those unable to care for live animals, like individuals with Alzheimer’s.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

Why would the elderly opt for a robotic pet as a friend?

Inspired by the founder’s experience with his mother’s illness.

- **Sony AIBO**: An interactive robot dog with advanced sensors, capable of learning behaviors and responding to human interaction.

The AI Cloud plan allows robotic dog Aibo to do what?

make interactions increasingly personal and unique

Designed as a social and emotional companion.

Title:

Content: Exploring the Future of Global Assistive Robotics (2023-2028): Mobility, Applications and Type Shifts
The field of assistive robotics has seen remarkable developments in recent years, revolutionizing the lives of individuals with disabilities and the elderly.
These robots are designed to provide assistance and support in various tasks, from mobility assistance to housework.
As we look to the future, the potential for further transformation and innovation in this area is enormous.
Mobility Shifts:
Mobility is one of the key areas where assistive robots are expected to undergo major transformations.
Traditional mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers are enhanced by the use of robotic technologies, allowing greater autonomy and freedom of movement.
For example, robotic exoskeletons can provide individuals with disabilities in the lower extremities the ability to walk again.
In addition, self-driving motorized wheelchairs are being developed to navigate complex environments and provide a smoother mobility experience.
Application Shifts:
Assisted robots are also expanding their applications beyond the healthcare sector.
These robots are increasingly being used in industries such as manufacturing, logistics and even entertainment.
In manufacturing, cooperative robots, or collaborative robots, work alongside human workers to perform repetitive tasks, reducing physical stress and increasing productivity.
In logistics, robots are used to help meet orders and manage warehouses.
Furthermore, assistive robots are being developed for entertainment purposes, providing companionship and emotional support to individuals.
Type Transfers:
The types of assistive robots themselves are also evolving.
While humanoid robots have been the focus of much attention, there is a growing trend towards more specialized robots designed for specific tasks.
For example, robotic prostheses are becoming more advanced, mimicking natural limb movements and providing a greater range of motion.
In addition, robotic escorts are being developed to provide social interaction and emotional support to individuals who may feel isolated or alone.
Questions and Answers:
Q: What are assistive robots?
A: Assisted robotics refers to the use of robotic technologies to provide assistance and support to individuals with disabilities or the elderly.
Q: How do assistive robots transform mobility?
A: Assisted robots improve mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers using robotic technologies.
They also develop robotic exoskeletons and autonomous wheelchairs to provide greater autonomy and freedom of movement.
Q: What are the new applications for robotics?
A: Assistive robots are expanding their applications beyond healthcare to include industries such as manufacturing, logistics and entertainment.
Robots are used in manufacturing to collaborate with human workers, in logistics to meet demands, and in entertainment to provide companionship.
Q: How are the types of assistive robots changing?
A: Although humanoid robots have been prominent, there is a shift towards specialized robots designed for specific tasks.
Robotic and companion prosthetics are becoming more advanced, providing natural limb movements and emotional support, respectively.
In conclusion, the future of global robotics holds enormous potential for transformation.
With advances in mobility, applications and types of robotics, individuals with disabilities and older adults can look forward to increased independence, improved quality of life and enhanced support in various aspects of their daily lives.
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How is Oppo marketing its Robotic dog Qric?

The AI Cloud plan allows robotic dog Aibo to do what?

make interactions increasingly personal and unique

What can Dynamic 1, a robotic dog by Tecno, do?

many features to enhance owner interaction

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

What should a guide dog's role include in addition to guiding a person?

- **Other Technologies**: Devices like the “Batbot” and “Elum” (water snake robot) showcase how robotics can adapt to different terrains and forms, though their primary uses are more in search and rescue than direct companionship.

- **Research Prototypes**: In China, robotic dogs are being tested as guides for the visually impaired, indicating potential expansions for assistive purposes.

Title:

Content: Witness...
Researchers test robotic dogs to guide visually impaired people instead of traditional companions
Science and Health
Publish
CNN reporter Mark Stewart shows us a new robot dog that is being tested by researchers in China, who hope the technology will one day help visually impaired and blind people live more independently.
The robot can navigate through cameras and has voice-recognition capabilities that support artificial intelligence.
A Chinese research team is testing a six-legged robot dog on the streets of Shanghai to help visually impaired and blind people.
The robot dog navigates using cameras and sensors and recognizes traffic signals that “guide dogs ” cannot do.
The robot can communicate with visually impaired people through artificial intelligence, voice recognition and route planning using listening and speaking capabilities.
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Flame-breathing robot dog about 10 meters.
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Polish artist collaborates with robot dog for humanity

In Germany, “Garmi” is a healthcare companion robot designed for elderly care.

Title:

Content: Lack of specialized labor.
The robot Garmi takes care of the elderly in Germany | Science and technology | Latest discoveries and studies from DW Arabia | DW | 19.03.2023
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Lack of specialized labor.
Garmi takes care of elderly people in Germany
As artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to engulf much of our lives, scientists are turning to robots to care for the elderly amid a shortage of health workers in Germany, where the number of nursing jobs is expected to reach 670,000 by 2050.
Garmi was designed by dozens of researchers from the Munich Institute for Robotics and Machine Intelligence specializing in geriatrics.
Not unlike other robots, Garmi is mounted on a moving base, equipped with a robotic arm and a black screen with two blue circles that are his eyes.
But the robot is a dream for retired doctor Gunter Steinbach because it can diagnose diseases and possibly provide the right treatments and care in the future.
Garmi was designed by dozens of researchers from the Munich Institute for Robotics and Machine Intelligence specializing in Gereatronics, a new field in which new technologies are being used to develop geriatrics.
The institute, a division of the Technical University of Munich, has set up its own geirateronics unit in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a ski resort with the highest proportion of elderly people in Germany.
The European country has one of the highest rates of ageing in the world.
With the number of nursing jobs in Germany expected to reach 670,000 by 2050, researchers ’ simple goal is to integrate robots into health facilities and nursing homes, limiting doctors ’ mobility between these care centers.
Abduljalil Nasseri, 43, said: “We have ATMs to withdraw money, but imagine that one day, within the same model, people will be able to undergo their medical tests at some kind of technology center. ”
Doctors will then be able to assess the results provided by the robot remotely, a particularly useful step for people living in remote locations.
The robots can perform several tasks, such as providing meals, opening a bottle of water, asking for help in the event of a fall, or launching a video chat with family or friends.
Inside the lab, Dr. Gunther Steinbach prepares to assess the robot ’ s progress, sitting in front of a desk equipped with three monitors and a control machine.
In another corner of the room, a patient researcher sits in front of the Garmi robot, which puts a stethoscope on the researcher ’ s chest, after receiving an order from Steinbach.
Immediately, the patient ’ s medical data appears on the screen in front of the doctor.
Steinbach says, “Imagine if it had been possible for me in the past. ”
Researchers aim to integrate robotics into sanitation and elderly homes
Like Steinbach, caregivers from different disciplines regularly visit the lab to give feedback on robot design.
Abdeljalil Nasseri said: “As a 3-year-old Garni, we have to teach him everything. ”
It is not yet known when Garmi will be available in the market, and the costs of its manufacture and use have yet to be determined.
“Garni ’ s marketing is inevitable, statistics show that its use is urgent, ” Nasseri said, adding that“ from 2030, we should be able to integrate this kind of technology into our society. ”
If the project ever comes to fruition, Garmi is likely to make its first appearance in the corridors of the Zante Venetians Aged Home in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is a partner in the project.
Once the idea is heard, a smile appears on the face of Rohrer, 74, who is staying in the area.
Taking care of her nails from Eva Bioskovic, the 30-year-old said: "There are tasks that robots can do, like serving drinks or bringing food."
Bioskovic, whose lack of staff is a daily problem, says there is no magic cure for the crisis.
“The solution won ’ t be just a robot, but it could allow employees to spend extra time with guests, ” she says.
According to Nasseri ’ s team, one of the main challenges is not technical, medical or financial issues, but patients ’ acceptance of robots.
“They have to trust the robot and use it like we use smartphones right now, ” Nasseri says.
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Title:

Content: Here are 5 of the most prominent technologies in robots that are rapidly evolving to resemble humans.
Saturday 06 January-January 2024 at 09 AM / Marib Press _ Agencies
Number of views 162
Robotics are rapidly developing to do many human-like jobs using artificial intelligence.
A lot of robots show emotion like a human, trying to simulate natural emotions, as well as talking, chatting and having conversations, and automatically delivering information via artificial intelligence.
Here are five of the most popular robots that mimic humans:
Sophia Robot
It was developed by Hansen Robotics, a Hong Kong-based company that specializes in creating human-like robots with artificial intelligence for various applications, such as healthcare, research and entertainment, and has gained notoriety due to human-like facial expressions and opinions.
Sophia held a robotics press conference at the United Nations Global Summit on Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good in Geneva.
In 2017, Saudi Arabia granted citizenship to Sophia, the first robot in the world to acquire legal personality in any country.
Robot Amica
A robot known as a "robot", developed by British company Engineering Arts, in 2021.
Amica has cameras installed on the eye and microphones installed on the ears to see, hear and recognize faces, emotions and sounds, and speaks several languages.
Gymnoid DK Robot
Appearing in 2011, it featured real facial expressions, artificial human hair, and some likened it to Danish professor Henrik Scharfi, who collaborated with an engineer and a Japanese robotics manufacturer.
This first robot with a beard, has a series of air motors in the face, neck and shoulders, and can perform breathing and blinking movements independently.
Nadine 's Robot
Known as a human-like social robot, it was modeled after Professor Nadia Magninat Talmann, who founded Mira Lab at the University of Geneva and headed the Media Innovation Institute at Nanyang Technological University.
Nadine is supposed to be a receptionist or social companion for people with disabilities, and the robot can read people ’ s stories, show them photos, send emails, make video calls, and communicate with their families.
The social robot uses artificial intelligence to speak six languages and remember people ’ s faces and past interactions.
Pina48 Robot
Bina 48 consists of head and shoulders busts mounted on a frame, unlike robotics, founded by the Terasim movement, where this transhumanist organization focuses on exploring and promoting the use of technology to enhance human capabilities, extend human lifespan, and promote future developments related to artificial intelligence and bioinformatics.
Designers are seeking to study whether human brains can be preserved after death, designed to be the first digital representation of the human mind, and dubbed the "most sensitive robot in the world."

Capabilities and Daily Use:**
- Robotic pets are equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence to simulate lifelike reactions (e.g., wagging tails, following with their eyes, responding to touch).

How is Oppo marketing its Robotic dog Qric?

Scottish researchers believe what will provide benefits to owners of robotic dogs without accompanying responsibilities?

What can Dynamic 1, a robotic dog by Tecno, do?

many features to enhance owner interaction

- Their primary role is emotional support—providing comfort, reducing loneliness, encouraging social interaction, and sometimes engaging in simple, playful activities.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

How is Oppo marketing its Robotic dog Qric?

What can Dynamic 1, a robotic dog by Tecno, do?

many features to enhance owner interaction

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

What should a guide dog's role include in addition to guiding a person?

- In therapeutic settings (e.g., nursing homes), these robots can reduce agitation and anxiety, encourage communication, and offer a non-judgmental, soothing presence.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

Title:

Content: What are robots that look like humans called?
Summary:
Robots that resemble humans, in appearance and behavior, are commonly referred to as human robots.
These advanced machines are designed to mimic human movements and interactions, making them increasingly popular in various fields such as healthcare, entertainment and research.
With their ability to perform complex tasks and deal with humans in a more natural way, human robots are revolutionizing the way we perceive and interact with technology.
Introduction:
Human robots have long been a fascination in science fiction, but recent advances in robotics and artificial intelligence have brought them closer to reality.
These robots are designed to resemble humans in terms of their physical appearance, with features such as head, torso, arms and legs.
However, their internal mechanisms and capabilities are far more complex than their external appearance might suggest.
Definition of Human Robots:
Human robots are machines designed to mimic human movements and behaviors.
It is equipped with sophisticated sensors, engines and algorithms that enable it to perceive its environment, make decisions and interact with humans in a way reminiscent of interactions between humans.
These robots often have a face with expressive traits, enabling them to convey emotions and participate in social interactions.
Applications of Human Robots:
The versatility of human robots has led to their adoption in various industries and fields.
In healthcare, they can help with patient care, rehabilitation exercises and companionship for the elderly.
In the entertainment industry, human robots are used in parks, exhibitions and even as actors in films.
In addition, human robots are valuable tools for research and development, allowing scientists to study human movement, cognition, and social behavior.
Challenges and Future Prospects:
The development of humanoid robots that are very similar to humans and show natural movements is a complex engineering feat.
Researchers face challenges in areas such as balance, dexterity, and human-like movement.
In addition, ensuring the safety and ethical use of human robots raises important questions that need to be addressed.
Despite these challenges, the future of human robotics looks promising.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more advanced and capable human robots.
These machines have the potential to revolutionize industries, improve human lives, and push the boundaries of what is possible in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How are human robots different from other types of robots?
A: Human robots are specifically designed to resemble humans in appearance and behavior, while other types of robots may have different shapes and functions.
Human robots aim to mimic human movements and interactions, making them more connected and able to handle humans in a natural way.
Q: Can robots think and make decisions like humans?
A: While humanoid robots can exhibit intelligent behaviors and make decisions based on programmed algorithms and sensory input, they don ’ t have the same self-awareness or self-awareness as humans.
Their decision-making processes are based on predefined rules and algorithms.
Q: Are human robots a threat to human jobs?
A: Human robots were developed primarily to help and collaborate with humans, rather than replace them.
They are designed to perform tasks that are difficult or dangerous to humans, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and efficiency.
However, as with any technological advancement, there may be shifts in the labor market that require adaptation and re-skilling.
Q: Are there any ethical concerns surrounding human robots?
A: The development and use of humanoid robots raises ethical considerations.
These include issues with privacy, consent, and potential abuse.
It is important to develop guidelines and regulations to ensure the responsible and ethical use of human robots.
Sources:
- "Human Robots: A Review" by Nikolaos Maverides (https: / / www.researchgate.net / publication / 221266285 _ Humanoid _ Robots _ A _ Review)
– “Human Robots: A New Type of Tool ” by Hiroshi Ishiguro (https: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / pmc / articles / PMC3356139 /)

Assistive and Social Roles:**
- Beyond companionship, some robots are being developed for specific assistance tasks, like health monitoring, facilitating video conferences, or even reminding users of medications.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What is Aibo X robotic pet capable of for its owners?

- Researchers and companies are exploring robots that can “learn” user preferences, increasing the sense of personalization and bonding.

The AI Cloud plan allows robotic dog Aibo to do what?

make interactions increasingly personal and unique

What can Dynamic 1, a robotic dog by Tecno, do?

many features to enhance owner interaction

Public Attitudes:**
- Many see robotic pets as valuable tools to improve seniors’ quality of life, especially for those who cannot care for live animals due to mobility, allergies, or residential restrictions.

Why would the elderly opt for a robotic pet as a friend?

- However, there are concerns about replacing real human or animal interaction.

Some worry about emotional attachment to machines and whether these pets can provide the depth of companionship that living beings offer.

Limitations and Ethical Considerations:**
- Robotic pets do not have true self-awareness or emotional understanding; their “responses” are programmed and sensor-based.

- Ethical issues include questions about emotional dependency on artificial companions, privacy (data collected by smart devices), and the risk of social isolation if robots replace rather than supplement human or animal contact.

- Cost, durability, and maintenance remain practical barriers for widespread adoption.

**Summary:**
Robotic pet companions, such as PARO, AIBO, and Tombot, offer promising emotional and social benefits for seniors.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

As technology advances, the balance between utility and authentic companionship will remain at the heart of the conversation.

What should a guide dog's role include in addition to guiding a person?