Artificially intelligent robotic pets are being marketed as emotional companions, especially for elderly or lonely individuals, and are designed to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support.

These robotic pets are equipped with advanced technologies, such as AI, sensors, and machine learning algorithms, that enable them to interact with humans in a lifelike and engaging way.

For example, Joy for All robotic pets have heartbeats, purr, lick, meow, bark, and respond to motion and touch, providing a sense of comfort and companionship to aging adults with Alzheimer's and dementia.

The cost of these robotic pets can vary, with the Joy for All puppy costing around $140 and the cat costing $120, although bulk purchasing can slightly reduce the cost.

Additionally, rechargeable batteries are needed for the pets, adding to the overall cost.

Despite the costs, these robotic pets have been shown to have a positive impact on the mental and emotional well-being of elderly and lonely individuals, reducing anxiety and agitation in people with Alzheimer's and dementia.

In fact, caregivers also benefit from the pets, getting a break from stress and exhaustion.

Organizations such as AARP have donated to the "Share the Love" Helen Espinoza Memorial Fund to provide these robotic pets to those in need, with the Daybreak Adult Daycare Center receiving a puppy and kitten through the fund.

November is also recognized as Alzheimer's Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers month, highlighting the importance of supporting caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Other robotic pets, such as ElliQ, are designed to alleviate loneliness in elderly Americans and use AI to remember user interests and customize chat content.

ElliQ can also make video calls to contact relatives, friends, or doctors, and hundreds of thousands of seniors in the US use ElliQ through partnerships with government agencies.

Similar robots, such as Kiwi and Mango, are being used in Canada to interact with older adults, and China is also developing AI care technologies to address the growing elderly population.

In fact, China's elderly population is forecast to increase from 280 million to 402 million by 2040, and there is a shortage of 1.7 million nursing staff for the elderly population.

Japanese companies are also leaders in using robots in nursing homes, with robots like Robear and Paro being used to provide care and companionship.

There are also about 100 robotics start-ups in China specializing in rehabilitation and care robots, highlighting the growing interest in using technology to support elderly care.

Smart care products are also being developed to use AI to screen for elderly diseases, with the AI Assessment System identifying high-risk knee arthritis patients.

The Intelligent Home Rehabilitation System integrates rehab with home care, and Ambient Assisted Living develops smart home technology for the elderly.

Companion robots are also being used to interact with the elderly and alleviate loneliness, with Interactive Fun Technology reducing dementia risk in elderly.

AI technology is also enhancing professional caregivers' image and relieving pressure, and smart robot banking is assisting in retirement planning and health management.

The use of AI and IoT is improving health management and long-term care needs, and mobile devices are tracking the physical condition of the elderly and providing emergency assistance.

Robotic pets, such as AIBO and Tombot, are also being used to improve the quality of life for the elderly, with Tombot helping to reduce loneliness.

PARO therapeutic robots are being used to aid cognitive disabilities, and robotic pets are reducing social isolation in older adults.

PARO robots have sound, light, and temperature sensors, and can express emotions like surprise and happiness.

Robotic companions have therapeutic uses for seniors, and robot pets like Tombot mimic real animal behavior.

In fact, PARO robots have been shown to improve psychological and physiological factors, and are being used to help patients with Alzheimer's disease.

The concept of robotic pets is also being discussed in school-level talks, with students exploring ideas for robotic pets as emotional companions.

Robotic pets can provide companionship without the drawbacks of real pets, such as high maintenance costs and the potential to scare delivery boys.

Post-COVID pet adoption has increased, along with maintenance costs, making robotic pets a viable alternative.

Netra Singh has proposed Anti-Sleep alarm goggles for drivers, highlighting the potential for technology to address social issues.

Robotic pets can help address mental health issues like loneliness, and can offer mental support and companionship to individuals.

Robotic pets are also being donated to Ukrainian refugees in Poland for emotional support, with clinical studies showing that they provide comfort to children aged 3-10.

Robotic pets reduce agitation and depression in veterans with dementia, and interact with human touch, movement, and voice like real pets.

A $300 donation provides one robotic pet for a child refugee and veteran, and robotic pets are being used in therapeutic settings for the elderly and lonely individuals.

Capital Caring Health provides robotic pets to patients in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., and robotic pets bring remarkable changes in behavior in people with dementia.

Robotic pets are also being used to support children who lost pets due to war, and are being distributed to refugee children in partnership with the Polish government.

ElliQ is a voice-activated robotic companion for older adults, providing medical reminders and health check-ins.

ElliQ offers virtual travel and entertainment options, and 800 older adults in New York are using ElliQ to combat social isolation.

ElliQ users report an 80% decrease in loneliness, and the cost of ElliQ is $249.99 enrollment fee plus $29.99 monthly subscription.

ElliQ has a companion app for families and caregivers, and social isolation drives $6.7 billion in additional Medicare spending per year.

Older adults have an average of 20 daily interactions with ElliQ, and ElliQ is designed to improve health and well-being in older adults.

Fellowship Community has adopted 20 robotic pets for seniors with dementia, and robotic pets improve cardiovascular health and quality of life for seniors.

Robotic pets decrease feelings of anxiety and loneliness in seniors, and are used as companions for elderly or lonely individuals.

Each robotic pet costs around $100, and robotic pets are lifelike with soft imitation fur and built-in sensors.

Robotic pets can respond to touch and environment, and residents saw improvements in mood and social interactions with robotic pets.

Robotic pets provide a sense of purpose for seniors, and are used in therapeutic settings for seniors with dementia.

In conclusion, artificially intelligent robotic pets are being marketed as emotional companions for elderly or lonely individuals, and have been shown to have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being.

These robotic pets are equipped with advanced technologies and are being used in therapeutic and social settings to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support.

While there are ethical questions about replacing real animals with robots, the benefits of robotic pets in improving health and well-being in older adults cannot be ignored.

As the elderly population continues to grow, the use of robotic pets and other AI-powered technologies will likely become increasingly important in addressing social isolation and loneliness.

Therefore, it is essential to continue researching and developing these technologies to improve the lives of elderly and lonely individuals.

By providing companionship, comfort, and emotional support, robotic pets have the potential to make a significant positive impact on the mental and emotional well-being of older adults.

In the future, it is likely that we will see even more advanced robotic pets and AI-powered technologies being developed to address the complex needs of elderly and lonely individuals.

Ultimately, the use of robotic pets and other AI-powered technologies has the potential to revolutionize the way we care for and support older adults, and to improve their overall health and well-being.

As such, it is essential to continue investing in research and development in this area, and to explore new and innovative ways to use technology to support elderly care.

Artificially intelligent robotic pets are being marketed as emotional companions, especially for elderly or lonely individuals, and are designed to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support.

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.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.

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 robotic pets are equipped with advanced technologies, such as AI, sensors, and machine learning algorithms, that enable them to interact with humans in a lifelike and engaging way.

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.

0
0
0
0
0

Recommended for you

How is Oppo marketing its Robotic dog Qric?

fully-fledged companion
has intelligent capabilities

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

For example, Joy for All robotic pets have heartbeats, purr, lick, meow, bark, and respond to motion and touch, providing a sense of comfort and companionship to aging adults with Alzheimer's and dementia.

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?

The cost of these robotic pets can vary, with the Joy for All puppy costing around $140 and the cat costing $120, although bulk purchasing can slightly reduce the cost.

Additionally, rechargeable batteries are needed for the pets, adding to the overall cost.

Despite the costs, these robotic pets have been shown to have a positive impact on the mental and emotional well-being of elderly and lonely individuals, reducing anxiety and agitation in people with Alzheimer's and dementia.

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?

In fact, caregivers also benefit from the pets, getting a break from stress and exhaustion.

Organizations such as AARP have donated to the "Share the Love" Helen Espinoza Memorial Fund to provide these robotic pets to those in need, with the Daybreak Adult Daycare Center receiving a puppy and kitten through the fund.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

November is also recognized as Alzheimer's Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers month, highlighting the importance of supporting caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Other robotic pets, such as ElliQ, are designed to alleviate loneliness in elderly Americans and use AI to remember user interests and customize chat content.

Title:

Content: My channel
* Drag categories can be customized sorting
Recover Default OK
Setup
Alert
Chinese craze … Taiwan 's popular drink good market more than one bottle hard to find
Silicon Valley wife murder case leads to the topic of "verbal insult" and other early signs of domestic violence
Cover Story / Silver Hair Living Alone and Not Lonely "Robots" as Old Companion
When Microsoft founder Bill Gates published his outlook for 2024 earlier this year, he predicted that the application of artificial intelligence (AI) would accelerate in the future and fundamentally change areas such as work, health care and education.
For Joyce Loaiza, a retired office worker living in Florida, Gates ’ s prophecy is now a formality; the 81-year-old living alone, whenever she returns to her Silver Hair Community apartment, a friendly female voice will chat with her and say hello to her for a good day.
A few miles away, Deanna Dezern, 83, was comforted by the same voice when her friend died.
In central New York, it plays games and music for Marie Broadbent, 92, who is blind and receiving hospice care.
In Washington, it helped 83-year-old Jan Worrell make new friends.
USA ElliQ Customizable Chat Content
The women were among the first to receive a robot in the United States, according to officials from Intuition Robotics, the company that invented ElliQ, and the Aged Aid Program. They are the only device that uses artificial intelligence and is specifically designed to alleviate the loneliness and alienation of many elderly Americans.
It can remember each user ’ s interests and hobbies and conversations with each other, helping to customize future chat content, topics can be esoteric human business meaning, or easy horoscope.
ElliQ also jokes, plays music and offers inspirational quotes.
On the equipped screen, it provides city and museum tours. It can also guide users to exercise, ask about health, and remind them to take medicine and drink water.
In addition, ElliQ can make video calls to contact a user ’ s relatives, friends, or doctor in case of an emergency. These conversations are not heard by companies, Intuition Robotics says, and the data is kept on each user ’ s device.
Dor Skuler, co-founder and CEO of Intuition Robotics, was a little surprised that older people were so easily integrating robots into their lives; after all, it was a group of people who were often stereotyped as afraid to embrace new things, he said.
In an interview with the media at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in early January, Skuller said that just like developing an intimate relationship with a pet, older people are also working to forge new relationships with AI robots.
Through partnerships with government agencies and other organizations, hundreds of thousands of seniors across the United States already use ElliQ, Skuller noted.
The voice of ElliQ and its compassionate “personality ” were developed by a team of experts in artificial intelligence, behavioral psychology, and user-centered design, according to Skuller.
They defined ElliQ as “the little partner who makes older people happier and healthier. ”
Anita Montague, 76, said that before using ElliQ, the only thing she did back home was sit in front of the computer, but with ElliQ, she can do sports and other things, and now she is more energetic and motivated to find more work.
Monica Perez, 65, who has been using ElliQ for more than six months, said she finds it increasingly difficult to make friends as she gets older. She likes ElliQ to call her name affectionately and will ask how she is doing, like a real friend; with ElliQ, her mental health has improved greatly.
ElliQ would remind Perez to take the pill in the morning, “I ’ m much more active than I was without it. ”
In Canada, Carmichael, a resident of Vancouver ’ s Amica for the Elderly, attended a meeting last September with two robots named Kiwi and Mango.
Canada ’ s AI partners help increase interaction
These two AI “little buddies ” that can be held in your arms look brightly colored and are part of a study at the University of Columbia School of Nursing to understand how they interact with older adults and their impact on elder care.
Carmichael said her initial reaction was, “Oh my God, why would you want me to talk to a robot? ” But after overcoming the psychological barrier, Carmichael found that Mango might be able to stay with her for a long time, and she could play with it every day and no longer feel lonely.
Carmichael says with a smile that there is only one appearance that needs to be improved; she tells the staff to wear false eyelashes for Mango.
These robots were designed in Japan and have been studied in Asia for many years.
Lillian Hung, an assistant professor at the University of Columbia and Canada ’ s Research Chair in Senior Care, is leading a Canadian study into the use of robots in the care industry.
Hong said that the robots bring joy wherever they go, and every time they show up with the robots, the atmosphere in the room changes.
Robot friends make seniors happier
“Kiwifruit ” and“ mango ” can speak, recognize faces and sounds, express a desire to be picked up and give a hug.
They even charge themselves when they ’ re “tired, ” Ms. Hong says.
She said that so far, the response has been mixed, with some elderly people immediately feeling good about robots, while others are confused. Hong Lilian said that humans are social animals and have basic needs to love and be loved, which she believes is the meaning of companion robots and helps build stronger social connections.
Many studies have pointed out that maintaining relationships and social activities are important for the physical and mental health of older people; social loneliness is associated with an increase in emotional distress, depression, falls, the need for health care services, and even premature death.
Lise Brayham, who has lived in Amica for four years, said the robots are a good thing for older people who don ’ t leave their rooms often because “mangoes ” and“ kiwifruit ” don ’ t require walking, cleaning or feeding.
Brehan said it was hard to understand how robots interact with humans at first, but in the end she concluded that it was like having a great little pet, “They ’ re fun partners! ”
Charlotte England, 102, came into contact with the robots with Brehan and made them good friends.
Ingram immediately began talking to the robot and recalled swimming in the Ottawa River and skating in the Rideau Canal.
She then boasted about her baking skills to “mangoes ” and“ kiwifruit ”.
After the robot responds with a gentle cooing, Ingram continues to talk to them about the snack.
However, after a “long ” conversation, Ingram noticed that the kiwifruit ’ s eyes were a little low, and she said to it with some displeasure,“ Am I boring you? ”
Investing in health care to fill the manpower gap
In addition to the United States and Canada, many countries in Asia are also facing the problem of aging populations, and China is one of them, with a rapidly aging population and a serious shortage of medical and nursing manpower, and the hope is that this robot army can fill this gap.
According to Sixth Tone, an English-language online magazine owned by Surging News, staff member Gao Hongjun is busy preparing for the day ’ s entertainment at an elderly care center in central Shanghai: a singing robot named “Dopo. ”
This squatting white robot often performs shows for the elderly people staying in, usually singing the revolutionary songs of Mao Zedong ’ s era.
The old people loved it, Gao said, which also gave them a chance to breathe.
He said that as the number of elderly people living in the home has increased, but the care resources have not been relatively improved, AI robots are able to reduce their workload.
Gao Xiaodong, director of the center, charged the "Dobao" while saying that if the staff were tired, they could not take good care of the elderly.
Gao Xiaodong said that in recent years, he and his colleagues have been under great pressure, and in the community where the care center is located, more than 40% of the elderly population over 60 years old, and the average occupant is over 70 years old, and most of the people are suffering from dementia.
In response to this situation, the center has installed artificial intelligence equipment as much as possible, in addition to "Dobao", they have also purchased intelligent mattresses and computer games that can monitor the vital signs of the elderly while they sleep, and two robots that can perform disinfection will soon be activated.
China ’ s elderly population to exceed 400 million by 2040
China is investing heavily in robotics research and development to care for an expanding elderly population and solve the shortage of healthcare workers.
China ’ s elderly population aged 60 and over is forecast to increase from 280 million in 2022 to 402 million in 2040.
China ’ s social and medical system is already severely overburdened, and if urgent measures are not taken, the situation may worsen further.
According to the Chinese government, there should be one nursing staff for every four residents in the elderly care institutions, but only 320,000 nursing staff serve 8.1 million residents in China, a gap of more than 1.7 million. The government hopes that the development of AI technology can provide a solution. Accelerate the development of the industry.
Chinese tech giants rush AI care
Several Chinese tech giants are also sniffing this opportunity, and iFlytek, a large AI company, announced its “Superbrain 2030 ” plan in 2022, which will develop a new type of nursing robot for the elderly.
The plan points out that it is necessary for AI to understand knowledge, learn well, and evolve, so that robots can enter every family and solve problems such as elderly care, emotional companionship, and health management. Search engine leader Baidu is also promoting “Xiaodu ” AI intelligent assistant, which can be used to schedule medical appointments, obtain weather forecasts and play games.
At present, the most widely used smart care technology in China is wearable devices such as smart bracelets and watches, which provide many practical functions, such as monitoring the vital signs of the elderly, reminding them to take drugs on time, tracking their location, etc., but the industry believes that robots are the future of nursing care.
Many hope that China will follow Japan ’ s lead in making widespread use of robots in nursing homes, from the cute bear robot Robear, which helps elderly people sit up from their beds, to the furry pet robot Paro, which provides companionship and improves cognitive function.
There are now about 100 robotics start-ups in China that specialize in rehabilitation, companionship and care robots.
However, in the high price of robots, most companies have not yet achieved mass production, and local governments have not invested enough funds to promote robots in nursing homes on a large scale.
A food-delivery robot developed by Hangzhou Lewan Science and Technology in Zhejiang Province can deliver more than 20 meals to different rooms in a building, but few nursing homes can afford the product, which costs between 60,000 and 80,000 yuan (about $8,400 to $11,200).
Jiang Gancheng, CEO of Lewan, pointed out that if the price is 10,000 yuan, the expectation of buying gas will increase a lot, but if there are no more orders, the price can not be reduced, which is a problem of raw eggs and eggs.
However, there are also some robot companies that pull out of the red.
As soon as Zuowei Tech, a startup based in Shenzhen, launched its smart bath equipment, the market response was very enthusiastic.
The company sold 40 million yuan of equipment in 2022, and hopes to reach the 100 million yuan target this year.
Tu Chaorong, Vice President of Chowei Technology, said the demand for bathing equipment is strong because of the need of caregivers and the elderly they care for.
He said that many people believe that urinating on the elderly is the least dignified job, but caregivers will feel more dignified if they use high-tech equipment; similarly, many people in bed will feel less dignified if they do not have these equipment.
Accompanying robot behind the bullish trend
CEO Gu Jie of Shanghai Fourier Intelligence, a robotics company specializing in rehabilitation equipment, has noticed a similar trend, working with hospitals in big cities in China, but now there is increasing demand for nursing homes.
Gu Jie said that no matter where the elderly live, they hope that their bodies can be flexible and their mental state can be improved; and a robot can be used by many people, which greatly improves efficiency.
Chiang Gan-cheng is optimistic about the company-type robot, and believes that the development potential is unlimited.
The company recently launched a new product, priced at 10,000 yuan, can be placed at home to patrol, sing, play movies, and also provide video calls between the elderly and their children. Jiang Gancheng said that elderly people in good health often do not want to install a camera at home, thinking that it violates their privacy, but if an AI robot is accompanied by their family, they will not feel so lonely.
Zheng Yongping, a 68-year-old resident of Shanghai, agrees. Since his only child lives abroad, he has been living alone in his downtown home with his dog since retirement.
He already has a smart watch to monitor his health and uses smart speakers to manage the big things in life, but his dream is to one day have a robot of his own.
Zheng Yongping said he could not imagine what better choice than an AI robot when old and frail and in need of help; although it lacks human warmth, this is a trend in an aging society.
AI AI Aged Care Home
The last one.
Cover Story / Care manpower shortage robot is not the only solution
Extended reading
Super-popular
More >

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?

ElliQ can also make video calls to contact relatives, friends, or doctors, and hundreds of thousands of seniors in the US use ElliQ through partnerships with government agencies.

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

Similar robots, such as Kiwi and Mango, are being used in Canada to interact with older adults, and China is also developing AI care technologies to address the growing elderly population.

In fact, China's elderly population is forecast to increase from 280 million to 402 million by 2040, and there is a shortage of 1.7 million nursing staff for the elderly population.

Japanese companies are also leaders in using robots in nursing homes, with robots like Robear and Paro being used to provide care and companionship.

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

There are also about 100 robotics start-ups in China specializing in rehabilitation and care robots, highlighting the growing interest in using technology to support elderly care.

Smart care products are also being developed to use AI to screen for elderly diseases, with the AI Assessment System identifying high-risk knee arthritis patients.

Title:

Content: • |
• Fast Quote
• |
• Member
• Product Services / Streaming
• Settings
04 / 01 / 2022
Technology is trending!
Technology helps improve the image of caregivers and reduce stress! What is the most important thing to develop wisdom and care for the elderly?
• Add Favorite Column
• Collection of articles
• Ada Chow
Ada Chow
Ada Chow
Senior PR / event planner with a passion for life and a simple perspective on the relationship between digital and life.
Smart Living
Smart care products are widely available in various markets, such as screening the risk of 28 diseases of the elderly through AI artificial intelligence technology, including various eye diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, Parkinson ’ s disease and other diseases.
At present, this solution is used in more than 30 triple-A hospitals in China.
In Hong Kong, Healfie is a mobile app that monitors and manages macular lesions. The aim is to help users and their families pay attention to and face up to this type of eye disease.
In addition, the research team of the Department of Biomedical Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University has developed a simple and easy-to-use “Artificial Intelligence Assessment System for Knee Arthritis ” to identify high-risk patients, so that they can reverse their condition in golden time, reduce joint degeneration, and relieve the pain of surgery, thereby relieving the pressure on the public health care system.
The term "Gerontechnology" has also been translated into "Elderly Technology" or "Elderly Technology".
The International Society of Gerontechnology (ISG) defines the fields of gerontology as health, housing, mobility, communication, leisure and work. Every industry should find room for development and innovation in the field of gerontology.
Intelligent Home Rehabilitation System, the application of computer graphics and image processing technology, rehabilitation treatment can be integrated with the remote home care system, tele-rehabilitation software or platform allows the elderly to carry out rehabilitation at home, and real-time online communication, to achieve the effect of consultation and rehabilitation, reducing the need for elderly to travel to and from home. With the time, cost and manpower of the hospital, we also provide a variety of rehabilitation projects to choose from.
Ambient Assisted Living (AAL), the development of smart home, smart living technology and products, allowing the elderly to spend their later years at home in a familiar environment. In recent years, Europe has further expanded to the development of environmentally assisted living technology. In a reactive environment, it is possible to analyze data, make decisions, take action, and so on.
Intelligent Mobility Assisted Devices (Mobility) is one of the basic conditions for the elderly to enjoy a high-quality, independent and autonomous elderly life.
It refers not only to the physical mobility of the elderly, but also to the ability to travel on their own to the place they want to reach.
Senior-Friendly Communication Devices And Online Social Network is a communication platform and social network developed for the elderly to provide learning, social, activities, travel and other services to enhance participation in the community, as well as life support assistance.
Companion Robot For Older Adults (Companion Robot For Older Adults), various service robots integrate into human life with different roles.
The development of many robot pets and robot dolls can interact with the elderly, which really helps to alleviate the psychological loneliness of the elderly and feel the value of being needed again.
Interactive Fun Technology for Older Adults is an interactive entertainment technology for the elderly. It is designed for the elderly 's past experience, physiology and cognitive ability. It enables the elderly to continue their mental activity and provide appropriate sensory stimulation from interactive entertainment to reduce the risk of dementia.
The application of smart technology to the life and care of the elderly is an important opportunity in the industry. From the upstream technology industry, to the midstream life industry, to the downstream service providers, it can also enhance the image of professional caregivers and relieve the pressure of family caregivers.
With the maturity of AI (artificial intelligence) technology, coupled with big data and machine deep learning, AI has been widely used in the financial and medical fields.
In the retirement market, smart robot banking can now be used to assist in retirement planning, and AI and the Internet of Things can be used to improve health management and long-term care needs.
In addition, there are currently insufficient health care personnel and uneven distribution of medical resources around the world, and users ’ health risks are predicted through the Internet of Things and mobile devices.
It can help doctors make more accurate diagnosis and treatment from a large number of medical records; help the elderly to live independently through automated means of transportation, such as preparing meals, assisting in changing clothes, and maintaining their social participation; and track the physical condition and activity of the elderly through mobile devices to ensure the physical condition of the elderly and provide immediate emergency medical assistance.
(Image provided by the author)
The wisdom and development of aging from nothing to have, from there to excellent, from excellent to refined three stages.
In the future, how to apply big data and artificial intelligence to elderly care services, the most important thing is people-oriented.
Let the elderly feel emotional care, this is a high-quality aging life.
The content of the signed and / or unsigned articles published by Economic Times is the author's personal opinion and does not represent the position of Economic Times, and the role of Economic Times is to provide a free speech platform.
(Limited Time Offer) Apply for ETNET Enhanced MQ Mobile Streaming Quote Service and get a $50 voucher!
► Action Now
I want to respond
You may be interested
Enlarge display
Gas stations on Monday
The New Normal in the Workplace
The most important thing is health.
Featured Articles
• Life
• DIVA
• Healthy and good life

The Intelligent Home Rehabilitation System integrates rehab with home care, and Ambient Assisted Living develops smart home technology for the elderly.

Companion robots are also being used to interact with the elderly and alleviate loneliness, with Interactive Fun Technology reducing dementia risk in elderly.

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?

AI technology is also enhancing professional caregivers' image and relieving pressure, and smart robot banking is assisting in retirement planning and health management.

The use of AI and IoT is improving health management and long-term care needs, and mobile devices are tracking the physical condition of the elderly and providing emergency assistance.

Robotic pets, such as AIBO and Tombot, are also being used to improve the quality of life for the elderly, with Tombot helping to reduce loneliness.

Title:

Content: Successfully registered!
Please go through the link provided in the body of the e-mail message
7 Weirdest Robots That Science Has Reached “You ’ ll Never Imagine ”
© Photo / pixabay / mariananbuA bee-shaped robot with a fan
Follow us via
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.
News Ticker
0.
New first, old first.
loader
To participate in the discussion
Sign in or Register
loader
Conversations
Заголовок открываемого материала

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?

PARO therapeutic robots are being used to aid cognitive disabilities, and robotic pets are reducing social isolation in older 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?

PARO robots have sound, light, and temperature sensors, and can express emotions like surprise and happiness.

Robotic companions have therapeutic uses for seniors, and robot pets like Tombot mimic real animal behavior.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

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

In fact, PARO robots have been shown to improve psychological and physiological factors, and are being used to help patients with Alzheimer's disease.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

The concept of robotic pets is also being discussed in school-level talks, with students exploring ideas for robotic pets as emotional companions.

Title:

Content: City School holds TED Like Power Talks

Hyderabad, December 30, 2023: Hyderabad-based St Peter’s School at Bowenpally organised a unique program ‘Stars of Inspiration–an evening under the open sky’ on Saturday night at its premises in Bowenpally on Friday night, for three hours and continued till 9 in the night.

A platform for school-level talks, expressing new ideas, thoughts, and perspectives created. It will be an annual feature announced by Mr. T. Alphonse Reddy Correspondent, St. Peter’s High School.  Summing up at the end of three hour-long marathon talks.   He along with other colleagues Mrs Saroja, former Principal of the School, and Mrs T. Aruna Reddy, Director, unveiled a new logo, as it is entering 25 years and celebrating its Silver Jubilee in the year 2024. It began its journey in 1979 by three young social entrepreneurs to offer rock-strong Edu-foundation, he said.

In an era of short messages, short forms of videos like Reels, shorts, and WhatsApp status videos, we came up with this idea of why not have TED-like short talks that fire up in two minutes even less than that. We coined it aptly ‘Stars of Inspiration–an evening under the open sky’. It is a platform for school-level talks, expressing new ideas, thoughts, and perspectives created. It will be an annual feature, he said.  The response was overwhelming. We have got 400 entries from class 6 to 12th.  We shortlisted and brought it down to 50, he added.

We have not filtered nor polished their thoughts. They were raw. Seventy per cent of the 50 speakers were first-timers.  It was their maiden talk in front of 1000-plus parents, teachers, non-teaching staff, guests and peers. It was their feelings, experiences, observations, random thoughts, personal journey, and life lessons learnt, straight from their heart, while some delivered with confidence, others struggled to speak. They put their mind out open, in their language, words, vocabulary, and thought process, he said.

Giving her opening remarks Dr. K. Suvarna, Principal of the school said in an era where the attention span of the public is getting shorter and shorter, where teenagers have become screenagers and juggle between many screens (read Mobile, TV, and Tablet, Laptop, Desktop, OTT), where people are living in a room filled with distractions all the time, the school had to do something different. Equip students with an approach so that they capture the world’s attention.  They can say what they want to say, just in the span of an elevator journey.

It goes well with the school’s credo, ‘Let every child blossom’, she said. It is a celebration of expression, talent and diverse perspectives.

The Talks were outstanding examples of stand-up, speak-up, fire-up and shut-up.

The evening began with the first talk by Simra Baig of class 100. He spoke about ‘Body Dysmorphia’, a mental health condition where some people spend a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. Nearly one million people are struggling with it, he said.

Netra Singh of class six who spoke about ‘Homegrown Genius’, came up with the idea of Anti-Sleep alarm goggles for drivers to avert mishaps. She also spoke about Robotic Pets, which can help cure loneliness and give mental support.  Especially post-COVID pet adoption has gone up and so also the cost of maintaining pets, real pets scaring delivery boys (causing the death of a couple of food delivery boys) and street dog menace (being read every day in the city).  In the light of this state of affairs, she prompted an idea of Robotic Pet and she showed her version of Robotic Pet.

Vishwanath Karthikey, a tenth grader, the youngest to set some world records in mountaineering, shared how painful the journey was. He told his friends never to give up. There were several times in my mountaineering endeavours when I wanted to give up, had I done that I would not have stood in front of you talking today. Success is the outcome of many failures.  There are no failures, only opportunities to improve, bettering oneself he said.

M.S. Mridhulya of the 9th class speaking about her journey from an introvert to an extrovert said ‘my socialising battery was always low.  Outside the comfort zone was where the magic happened in my life.  And concluded with a powerful message, the best and the only journey is the journey you must travel within you.

Ariana Kingham of Class 6 spoke about her journey from Bhutan to Hyderabad and the beauty of learning languages.  All languages are interesting, you just need to peep into them.

Speaking about Men’s Mental health, Afrah Fatima of the tenth class said men can also get anxious, insecure, abused, brad down, cry, and depressed. You must treat men the same as female victims, she said and added that the Mental health of men is important.  Men keep stress to themselves.  You are not alone. You are not first and you are not the last. You are not a burden she said.

Speaking about skin colour-based discrimination, T. Sriharshitha of class ten said that she was always discriminated against based on her skin colour.  Your skin colour is something you are gifted with. Nelson Mandela, Serena Williams, and Draupadi Murmu, all are dark-coloured but still, people love them and adore them. They are an inspiration to many.  Dont colour decide your future, she said

A Greevan spoke about Wars and said those who start a war don’t get killed.  The soldier’s life is at stake. Those soldiers who go to war, may not return home.  Even if they return, his family may not be there. Even if his family is found, he may not be in the same physical condition.  When he returns, he may return without hands or legs.

Yusuf Ali moved everyone with this journey, how he fought Crouzon Syndrome (a genetic syndrome which affects the shape of the head and face). I look different.  School admission was a challenge.  Every day was a struggle.  I didn’t give up, he shared.

Speaking about how he travelled from a mere participant in track events to a national athlete, Dheeraj Sadula of the 9th class gave a message to his peers not to expect some incredible results in one day as most of the current generation looks for instant results.

Divija Hari, a 12th grader, beautifully explained the bond of friendship.  And said that having genuine connections even if they are few are better than thousands of Facebook friends.  She read out a beautiful poem ‘Brides of Bonds’, and she wrote.

The school’s Fire and Gas Leakage Fichter Robot was selected in the CBSE Regional Science Exhibition and will be participating in the National Exhibition in January 2024 in New Delhi. The winning teams gain entry to be exhibited in the Rashtriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani to be organised by NCERT. St Peter’s team is one of the 30 exhibits selected out of 3169 student teams registered. Varenya, Pritam and Samuel share their journey of participation and success.

Sammathamu Swathi Hansika, an 11th grader speaking about digital liberation spoke and YourHourAPP, which gives a daily view of how often one checks phone and how frequently one uses different apps. You can then set limits with daily app timers, and unplug at night with features like Bedtime mode, etc.

Sameena Hajee speaking on bonding with blood spoke about the importance of family and appealed to parents to have mutual understanding so that their children can lead a better life.

The series of captivating Power Talks covered a vast array of topics that showcased the depth of their interests and passions. From Career Exploration to Community Service Reflection, Artistic Showcase to Language Learning Journey, Smart India Hackathon to Creative Writing, Reading, Book Review, Personal Journey, Research Showcase, TED Style Talks, Student Life at St.Peter’s High School and much more – these talks were not just informative but a reflection of the dedication and passion our students pour into their pursuits.

About Neel Achary 18495 Articles
Neel Achary is the editor of Business News This Week. He has been covering all the business stories, economy, and corporate stories.

Robotic pets can provide companionship without the drawbacks of real pets, such as high maintenance costs and the potential to scare delivery boys.

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

Post-COVID pet adoption has increased, along with maintenance costs, making robotic pets a viable alternative.

Netra Singh has proposed Anti-Sleep alarm goggles for drivers, highlighting the potential for technology to address social issues.

Robotic pets can help address mental health issues like loneliness, and can offer mental support and companionship to individuals.

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

Robotic pets are also being donated to Ukrainian refugees in Poland for emotional support, with clinical studies showing that they provide comfort to children aged 3-10.

Title:

Content: Breaking News
More () »

Falls Church-based organization donating robotic pets to Ukrainian refugees in Poland

Capital Caring Health is working with the Polish government to bring emotional support to children who lost pets amid the crisis in Ukraine.

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — A Virginia nonprofit is partnering with the Polish government to help Ukrainian children who fled their homes.

Capital Caring Health, which is headquartered in Falls Church, will provide robotic cats and dogs as companion pets to refugee children who've had to leave their own pets behind because of the war.

The organization provides hospice, palliative and elder care services to around 120,000 patients in Maryland, Virginia and D.C.

CCH said in a statement that the effort has been approved by Polish officials and the robotics pets will be flown to Poland for distribution.

The statement says that clinical studies indicate that robotic pets can be a source of comfort for children between the ages of 3 to 10.

Credit: Capital Caring Health
Steve Cone, chief of philanthropy for Capital Caring Health, holds two robotic pets.

RELATED: Locals rent Airbnbs for people fleeing Ukraine as company pledges free housing for refugees

Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO of CCH, said in a statement that the organization provides robotic pets to veterans with dementia in the DMV area, which has brought about "remarkable changes in behavior."

"Among the benefits are reduction in agitation, prevention of depression, and often a reduction in medications being administered,” Koutsoumpas said.

The community can support CCH's efforts to support robotic pets for Ukrainian children effort by making a donation online. (Select the "Patient Pet Services and Robotic Companion Pets" option in the specific program dropdown menu.)

A $300 donation provides one robotic pet for both a child refugee and a veteran with dementia.

"The robotic pets are quite remarkable and interactively react to human touch, movement, and voice—like real pets," Steve Cone, chief of philanthropy for CCH said in a statement. "As we like to say no need to feed or walk or clean up after them—just enjoy their LOVE."

WATCH NEXT: 'They come to it with a curious mind' | Northern Virginia classroom examines current events in Ukraine with students

WUSA9 is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand.

Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.
Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021.

Robotic pets reduce agitation and depression in veterans with dementia, and interact with human touch, movement, and voice like real pets.

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

A $300 donation provides one robotic pet for a child refugee and veteran, and robotic pets are being used in therapeutic settings for the elderly and lonely individuals.

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

Capital Caring Health provides robotic pets to patients in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., and robotic pets bring remarkable changes in behavior in people with dementia.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

Robotic pets are also being used to support children who lost pets due to war, and are being distributed to refugee children in partnership with the Polish government.

ElliQ is a voice-activated robotic companion for older adults, providing medical reminders and health check-ins.

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.

ElliQ offers virtual travel and entertainment options, and 800 older adults in New York are using ElliQ to combat social isolation.

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

ElliQ users report an 80% decrease in loneliness, and the cost of ElliQ is $249.99 enrollment fee plus $29.99 monthly subscription.

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

ElliQ has a companion app for families and caregivers, and social isolation drives $6.7 billion in additional Medicare spending per year.

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

Older adults have an average of 20 daily interactions with ElliQ, and ElliQ is designed to improve health and well-being in older adults.

Fellowship Community has adopted 20 robotic pets for seniors with dementia, and robotic pets improve cardiovascular health and quality of life for seniors.

Title:

Content: Learn more about subscriptions
Learn more about subscriptions
Advertisement
Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

Robotic pets decrease feelings of anxiety and loneliness in seniors, and are used as companions for elderly or lonely individuals.

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?

Each robotic pet costs around $100, and robotic pets are lifelike with soft imitation fur and built-in sensors.

Robotic pets can respond to touch and environment, and residents saw improvements in mood and social interactions with robotic pets.

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

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

Robotic pets provide a sense of purpose for seniors, and are used in therapeutic settings for seniors with dementia.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

In conclusion, artificially intelligent robotic pets are being marketed as emotional companions for elderly or lonely individuals, and have been shown to have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being.

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 robotic pets are equipped with advanced technologies and are being used in therapeutic and social settings to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support.

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

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

While there are ethical questions about replacing real animals with robots, the benefits of robotic pets in improving health and well-being in older adults cannot be ignored.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

As the elderly population continues to grow, the use of robotic pets and other AI-powered technologies will likely become increasingly important in addressing social isolation and loneliness.

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?

Therefore, it is essential to continue researching and developing these technologies to improve the lives of elderly and lonely individuals.

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?

By providing companionship, comfort, and emotional support, robotic pets have the potential to make a significant positive impact on the mental and emotional well-being of older 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?

In the future, it is likely that we will see even more advanced robotic pets and AI-powered technologies being developed to address the complex needs of elderly and lonely individuals.

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?

Ultimately, the use of robotic pets and other AI-powered technologies has the potential to revolutionize the way we care for and support older adults, and to improve their overall health and well-being.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

As such, it is essential to continue investing in research and development in this area, and to explore new and innovative ways to use technology to support elderly care.