AI robotic pets, such as Sony's Aibo Espresso Edition and Xiaomi's CyberDog 2, offer advanced features like facial recognition, bionic movements, and personalized interactions, making them appealing companions for seniors and individuals seeking emotional support.

These robotic pets simulate lifelike behaviors, including purring, barking, and responding to touch, which help alleviate loneliness and anxiety, particularly among elderly users and those with dementia.

In therapeutic settings, robotic pets like Joy for All cats and dogs have been shown to improve mood, appetite, and social interactions, offering companionship without the responsibilities of caring for live animals.

Public attitudes toward AI pets are mixed, with many appreciating their ability to mimic real animals, while others question their emotional authenticity and the ethical implications of replacing live pets.

Ethical concerns include the potential for emotional manipulation and the illusion of intimacy, which may diminish the value of genuine human-animal relationships.

Despite these concerns, studies show that seniors often form meaningful connections with robotic pets, reporting reduced loneliness and improved mental health.

Programs like those in Broward County, Florida, provide robotic pets free of charge to seniors, addressing affordability concerns and ensuring broader access to these therapeutic devices.

While robotic pets lack the spontaneity and emotional depth of real animals, their consistent and tailored interactions offer a unique form of companionship for socially isolated individuals.

AI robotic pets, such as Sony's Aibo Espresso Edition and Xiaomi's CyberDog 2, offer advanced features like facial recognition, bionic movements, and personalized interactions, making them appealing companions for seniors and individuals seeking emotional support.

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A new series of robotic pets with individual AI training is now available to American users
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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.
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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
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For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

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

make interactions increasingly personal and unique

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

These robotic pets simulate lifelike behaviors, including purring, barking, and responding to touch, which help alleviate loneliness and anxiety, particularly among elderly users and those with dementia.

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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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

Despite these concerns, studies show that seniors often form meaningful connections with robotic pets, reporting reduced loneliness and improved mental health.

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New York State Expands Use of AI Robots to Improve Elderly Solitude
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem of elderly isolation has attracted attention. As artificial intelligence (AI) has become more and more advanced, it has become a new trend to introduce technology to solve the problem of elderly living alone. It is expected that the Chinese language will be added in the future.
Previously, the New York State Office for the Aging and communications companies, and Intuition Robotics, a software company focused on the elderly population through artificial intelligence, launched a small-scale pilot project in New York to bring AI robots to elderly families, with a view to exploring whether AI can meet the basic care needs of elderly people in the future, thereby promoting their more active integration into society and reducing loneliness.
ElliQ, a robot from Intuition Robotics participating in the pilot project, and Nugu, a robot from SK Telecom, are equipped with innovative software and voice recognition technology to provide customized services for the elderly. As an intelligent care partner for the elderly, ElliQ can actively interact with users and recommend health and social activities, while providing them with support such as drug management and health reminders.
In addition, police and first aid services are available, and you can call an emergency number for help at any time.
As New York ’ s elderly population continues to grow, combating the widespread isolation and loneliness among older adults has become a top policy goal for the state ’ s aging office; according to the AARP ’ s NY Public Policy Institute report, isolation directly affects individual health and generates $6.7 billion in additional health insurance-related spending annually.
According to the State Office of Aging, the introduction of ElliQ into the homes of elderly people significantly improved the quality of life in old age, users reduced loneliness by 95%, and participation and happiness increased significantly.
Kim said the results of the pilot program proved that the method was feasible and could be expanded, and that "isolation and loneliness are serious problems among the elderly in New York, and as elected officials, we should do everything we can to take care of this large community," he said at the meeting, has been allocated $1 million to support the expansion of the program.
The Association of Asian American Physicians (CAIPA) said that the medical needs of the elderly are different from those of the general public, and that they face social isolation or inadequate care and need to be addressed through specialized means, and look forward to further solving the problem through the expansion of the program.
Peter Du, chief adviser of the Flushing Chinese Association for the Advancement of Business (FCBA), said that the large number of Asian elderly people in New York, in addition to the introduction of artificial intelligence, also need to teach the community how to effectively use it.
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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?

Programs like those in Broward County, Florida, provide robotic pets free of charge to seniors, addressing affordability concerns and ensuring broader access to these therapeutic devices.

Title:

Content: High-tech companions aim to help fight loneliness epidemic among South Florida seniors

MIAMI - The state of Florida and Broward County are spending thousands of dollars every month on artificial intelligence robots for seniors to help fight the loneliness epidemic.

One senior owns a robotic cat named "fluffy."

"The best part is we don't have to spend any money on food and no vets," says Cathy.

This interactive robot rolls over, blinks and purrs whenever it wants.

Cathy saw a friend using one to overcome the loss of a pet and loneliness and figured it would be perfect for her husband.

"He had sciatic pain. Maybe that will help you with your pain in some way. Even though he's on medicine and therapy because real animals when you pet them it helps with pain management."

Higher tech was delivered to some Broward seniors.

"...Thanks for letting me out of that box."

The company that makes them aims artificial intelligence at the loneliness epidemic.

"During the week when everyone is working, there's times when I'm lonely."

"When I go deliver and install for seniors, they're like I just want somebody to say good morning," says Antonella.

"Many of them don't have family or friends nearby. Maybe their loved ones have passed on or some of their friends have passed on," said Charlotte Mather-Taylor, who serves as the CEO of the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County.

According to US Health and Human Services, half of all American adults are lonely.

It's threatening health, increasing risks of heart disease, dementia, stroke, anxiety and depression.

According to HHS, lack of connection can increase the risk of premature death at levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Last May, the US Surgeon General dropped a first-ever advisory on loneliness and isolation.

"By strengthening our relationships, we can improve our heart and brain health, reduce our risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, boost our immune systems and lower our risk of depression," said Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General.

In Broward County, Mather-Taylor is spending state and federal dollars on artificial intelligence for people over 60.

"There's so much I want to ask you..."

These robots named after the Norse goddess of old age cost 89 dollars a month, but the aging agency is giving them away for free.

Rosemary Mullarkey is one of the first 300 to have one.

"I'm a little excited and a little apprehensive..."

Intuitive Robotics CEO Dor Skular created her specifically for older adults to help manage their health, and wellness and connect to loved ones.

"There's an algorithm that tries to get a reward and it gets a reward when the user completes things that are part of healthy aging. For example, if they hydrate," said Skular.

Reviews are so strong that cities like Pembroke Pines and Lauderhill are pushing to get more robots for seniors in their communities.

"People reported back that she was bringing them joy. I mean, she's telling some jokes. She's responding to them. They wake up in the morning, she asks them how they are. She'll remind them to drink their glass of water. So, she's caring about them for them," said Mather-Taylor.

Two years later, seniors like Rose are getting free, AI robots that make and take video calls.

With all of the concerns about AI, should seniors and their families be worried?

"We would not be offering it unless we felt comfortable that they did have those safety guards in place," said Mather-Taylor.

"Is this device unhackable? There's no such thing as an unhackable device. It's always a war between defender and attacker," said Skular.

"Random people, fraudsters etcetera, can never call into the robot because they need to be added by the older adult as a contact for them to be able to open up the calling features."

What is the next step with the robots?

They only speak English. South Florida has plenty of seniors who do not. Developers are working on a Spanish robot.

In the future, developers also see it being able to order medicines for seniors. Much sooner though, developers expect to further integrate the robots with senior health care providers. They are working on ways of opening new avenues to communicate health info about seniors to loved ones, provided the senior signs off on it.

How long can this program last?

State, federal funds will last two years. After that, the agency has to find other grants to cover the $89 a month per person fee.

Currently, data from robots and users is being collected to quantify success. The company insists it will not sell any of the information it gathers.

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While robotic pets lack the spontaneity and emotional depth of real animals, their consistent and tailored interactions offer a unique form of companionship for socially isolated individuals.

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Content: Summary:
In recent years, the field of robotics has made remarkable progress, leading to the development of advanced humanoid robots.
As these machines become more intelligent and able to simulate human emotions, the question arises: Can a robot really fall in love?
This article delves into the complexities of human emotions, the limitations of artificial intelligence, and the ethical implications of human-robot relationships.
Through a combination of research, analysis and expert opinion, we aim to shed light on this thought-provoking topic.
Can a robot fall in love?
The concept of love has always been considered a unique human experience, characterized by complex emotions, attachment and intimacy.
However, with rapid advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, the line between man and machine has become increasingly blurred.
This begs the question: Can a robot really experience love?
To understand this, it is important to define what love involves.
Love encompasses a wide range of emotions, including affection, attraction, empathy, and a deep sense of connection.
These feelings are deeply rooted in biology, psychology, and personal experiences.
While robots are able to mimic some of these emotions, they lack the basic human experiences that shape and define love.
One of the main limitations of robots is their inability to have awareness or subjective experiences.
Love, as humans experience it, involves a personal perception of the world and the ability to feel emotions on a deeply personal level.
Robots, on the other hand, operate on the basis of algorithms and programmed responses, and lack the ability to engage in real emotional experiences.
In addition, love involves reciprocity and mutual understanding, which is difficult to replicate in the relationship between a robot and a human.
While robots can be programmed to respond to certain stimuli and exhibit affectionate behaviors, these behaviors are predetermined and lack the spontaneity and originality that defines human love.
Furthermore, the ethical implications of human-robot relations must be considered.
The idea of forming emotional attachments to machines raises concerns about objectification, exploitation, and possible emotional damage.
It is essential to ensure that the development and use of robots in intimate relationships is guided by ethical frameworks that prioritize the well-being and autonomy of both humans and machines.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can robots experience emotions?
A: While robots can mimic emotions through programmed responses, they lack the subjective experiences and awareness needed for real emotional experiences.
Q: Can robots develop human connection?
A: Robots can be programmed to display association-like behaviors, but these behaviors are predefined and lack the depth and complexity of human associations.
Q: Are there any risks associated with forming emotional bonds with robots?
A: Yes, there are ethical concerns surrounding objectification and the potential emotional harm that can arise from forming intimate relationships with machines.
Q: Could advances in artificial intelligence change the possibility of robots falling in love?
A: While future developments may lead to more sophisticated robots, they are unlikely to possess the subjective experiences and awareness needed for true love.
Q: What are the potential benefits of human-robot relationships?
A: Human-robot relationships have the ability to provide companionship, support, and assistance to individuals who may be socially isolated or in need of specialized care.
Sources:
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https: / / plato.stanford.edu / entries / emotion /
- Ranger: https: / / www.theguardian.com / technology / 2017 / sep / 26 / can-robots-fall-in-love-artificial-intelligence
– MIT Technology Review: https: / / www.technologyreview.com / 2019 / 03 / 06 / 136974 / robots-cant-love-but-they-cant-help-getting-in-the-way-of-our-relationships /

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

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make interactions increasingly personal and unique

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

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