Robotic pets are being used to provide emotional companionship to individuals, particularly the elderly or lonely, and have been found to be beneficial in reducing feelings of anxiety and loneliness.

These robotic pets are lifelike, making realistic sounds and movements, and are used to provide comfort to individuals with dementia and serious health issues, with some models costing around $100 to $150, and being funded mostly through donations.

The cost of robotic pets can vary, with some models costing around $2,774, and others being available for a monthly fee of $30 to $40, with a one-time registration fee of $250.

Robotic pets have been found to reduce loneliness in 70% of recipients, and decrease pain by 75%, with over 31,500 pets distributed to socially isolated individuals in New York since 2018.

These pets can improve seniors' cardiovascular health and quality of life, decrease anxiety and depression, and provide a sense of purpose, with some models being designed to remind seniors of real pets they owned.

Robotic pets are also being used in therapeutic settings, such as in care units for seniors with dementia, where they can help reduce anxiety and aggression, and are being used to comfort children who have lost their homes, with 500 robotic pets being sent to children from Ukraine.

The use of robotic pets raises ethical concerns, including the potential for replacing human interaction and the need for regulations to ensure responsible deployment, with some experts believing that comprehensive risk assessments and safety protocols are necessary to prevent accidents and ensure the safe interaction between humans and robots.

Despite these concerns, robotic pets have been found to have a positive impact on users' mental and physical health, particularly in reducing loneliness and social isolation, and are being used in various settings, including assisted living and memory care units, to provide comfort and relaxation to both seniors and caregivers.

Overall, robotic pets have the potential to provide emotional comfort and companionship to individuals in need, and efforts are being made to make them more accessible to low-income individuals and those in remote or underserved areas, with donations being made to support the provision of robotic pets to those in need, and bulk purchasing options available to reduce costs.

Robotic pets can interact with humans and follow commands, and some can even replicate human facial expressions and simulate human skin and joints, with some models having advanced features such as 4D laser detection and conversational artificial intelligence.

The technical requirements for robotic pets include sensors and actuators to navigate environments, and some models are powered by advanced chipsets, such as the Nvidia Jetson Xavier NX module, and have multiple sensors for movement and tricks.

Robotic pets are being used to provide comfort and companionship to patients with dementia and serious health issues, and are funded mostly through donations, with a cost of around $150 per unit, and are being provided to children with serious health issues and seniors in need.

The use of robotic pets has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, decrease anxiety and depression, and improve quality of life for seniors with dementia, and can provide a sense of purpose and companionship, with some models being designed to remind seniors of real pets they owned.

Robotic pets are also being used in hospital settings to assist nurses with tasks, such as distributing food and personal belongings to patients, and providing health maintenance tips, and are being used to alleviate loneliness in elderly Americans, with some models using AI to remind users to take medicine and drink water, and to make video calls to contact relatives, friends, or doctors.

The cost of robotic pets can range from $100 to $300 per unit, depending on the type and features of the pet, and some organizations are donating robotic pets to patients, including children and veterans with dementia, with clinical studies supporting the use of robotic pets as a comfort source, and showing that they can reduce agitation and depression in veterans with dementia, and prevent depression in children.

Overall, robotic pets have the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of elderly and lonely individuals, and their integration into existing healthcare systems could have significant implications for healthcare policy, insurance coverage, and accessibility, with further research needed to fully understand the implications of robotic pets on healthcare policy, insurance coverage, and accessibility for low-income or underserved populations.

Robotic pets are being used to provide emotional companionship to individuals, particularly the elderly or lonely, and have been found to be beneficial in reducing feelings of anxiety and loneliness.

These robotic pets are lifelike, making realistic sounds and movements, and are used to provide comfort to individuals with dementia and serious health issues, with some models costing around $100 to $150, and being funded mostly through donations.

Title:

Content: Virginia nonprofit donates hundreds of robotic pets to children from Ukraine

Children in Ukraine who had to leave their homes are getting a special surprise from a Northern Virginia nonprofit.

They look like stuffed animals, but there’s more to them.

“These are quite remarkable. They are lifelike and act like real pets. They’re affordable,” Steve Cone, chief of philanthropy and communications at Virginia-based Capital Caring, said.

The organization started integrating robotic pets into its care and provided them to patients with dementia, veterans and younger children with serious health issues.

They cost $150 and are funded mostly through donations.

Now, 500 of these pets are being sent to children from Ukraine who had to leave their homes.

“We decided this was a wonderful way to provide something unexpected and delightful that would really be heartwarming and something that the child would just be delighted with,” Cone said.

The nonprofit provides hospice care and long-term illness services for people in the D.C. area.

“Reading and hearing about these little children who have lost their homes and their pets, it just seemed like something we should try to do.”

The nonprofit is working with the Polish government to get the robotic pets to Ukrainian refugees.

“They don’t have to worry about feeding it, walking it, cleaning up after it; they just can enjoy the love that it brings them,” Cone said.

Anyone interested in donating to the nonprofit can visit Capital Caring’s donation webpage.

Valerie Bonk

Valerie Bonk started working at WTOP in 2016 and has lived in Howard County, Maryland, her entire life. She's thrilled to be a reporter for WTOP telling stories on air. She works as both a television and radio reporter in the Maryland and D.C. areas.

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For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

The cost of robotic pets can vary, with some models costing around $2,774, and others being available for a monthly fee of $30 to $40, with a one-time registration fee of $250.

Title:

Content: A human replacement?
】 Replica Emoji Robot Transform to Relieve Anxiety Friend
At the World Robot Congress, humanoid robots were shown to be more simulated, capable of replicating human facial expressions, as well as robotic dogs that could interact with commands, and robotic arms that could perform surgery.
At the World Robotics Congress, Chinese technology companies showcase a wide range of robotic products, including for companion, manufacturing and performing operations.
Source: AAP / Mark R. Cristino / EPA
The point.
• Robot products can simulate human skin, facial expressions and joints, which can be flexible.
• Humanoid robots on display at the World Robot Congress can replicate the facial expressions of visitors.
• Designed to be inspired by canine robotic dogs that can interact with humans and follow commands to walk or dance.
Robots can make as many facial expressions as humans, including blinking, blinking, and nodding.
At the annual World Robotics Congress in Beijing, China ’ s capital, E-X Robots exhibit humanoid robots that can repeat the gestures and even facial expressions of visitors.
At the World Robotics Congress, Chinese tech companies exhibited robotic products for a variety of uses, including human companionship, manufacturing, and surgical use.
The products on display also have human-like skin and joints that can move flexibly.
The technology company that designed the robots said the products were suitable for interacting with people Source: AAP / Costfoto / Sipa USA
Their facial expressions are based on biological information gathered from human faces, which are reflected by artificial intelligence and algorithms that capture and analyze human movements.
Li Boyang, CEO of E-X Robots, said: “We have been improving this technology for many years and it is becoming more mature.
This time, we also showed that many robots can make facial expressions simultaneously. "
“When a person makes a facial expression, all robots do the same, which helps us develop a robot replacement for humans. ”
Robots can reflect real human facial expressions and sounds, and they can provide us with services remotely. ”
Li Boyang said they have a variety of uses in interacting with the public.
"These robots are suitable for communication with people and for use in public services."
"At present, robots are mainly used in science museums, tourist attractions, public administration service centres, hotel lobbies, as well as for teaching and accompanying purposes," he said.
Mechanical dog with special function
Man ’ s best friend also gave robot makers the inspiration to show off their skills by climbing stairs and shaking their paws.
Unitree Robotics exhibits robotic dogs for domestic companion, industrial patrol and fire rescue purposes.
Its companion robot, the Go 2, is able to interact with humans and walk or dance at will.
Engineers say dogs are designed to be smarter and easier to train than real dogs.
Source: SIPA USA / ChinaImages
Yu Shu's marketing manager Wang Qixin said: "The biggest feature of this robot dog is the installation of 4D laser detection and ranging laser radar (Lidar).
With the laser radar in front, it can sense the surrounding scene in real time and avoid obstacles on its own. ”
He added: “Beyond that, it has powerful conversational artificial intelligence.
We know that big models are popular nowadays, and with powerful conversational AI, it can communicate with its owner. For example, you can call it to go forward or backward, or to dance.
It will hear your voice clearly. "
For about $2,774 (RMB12,913), you can get a robotic pet.
It can also be used as an errand, such as picking up takeaway food and parcels.
Wang said that after years of research and development, these robots have smooth movement and balance, and can move freely in the rough terrain that can trip humans.
"After years of development, this motion control program has been completely green, and it allows our robots to maintain a good balance in any complex environment such as stairs and gravel roads, and can perform some tasks in place of humans."
According to engineer Shao Yuanxin, CyberDog 2 is also able to learn skills, such as switching on and off air conditioners, that are smarter than real dogs and easier to train.
He said: “It ’ s not as naughty as real dogs and the cost of training them is low.
Basically, with a large conversational AI model, after a few simple training will be very obedient.
And it has higher intelligence because it can control smart electronic devices in the home. "
"For example, if you want to turn on the air conditioner, you can't ask a dog to do that, but you can tell it to turn on the air conditioner."
This is a simple example.
It ’ s smarter, more obedient and works better with the smart devices around us. ”
The products on display also have flexible joints.
Source: AAP / Mark R. Cristino / EPA
Robotic arms for medical use
The conference also featured a range of surgical robots, including the da Vinci surgical arm for thoracic and abdominal surgery.
Li Haoyuan works in the market department of robot developer Intuitive Fosun.
"The arm is more fine-tuned, less traumatic, more precise and less harmful to patients," he said.
“Through the operation of the robotic arm, we can avoid unnecessary shaking of the doctor ’ s hands and bring a wider and clearer operational vision to the surgery. ”
In fact, this can reduce the trauma of the patient and make them recover faster. ”
The World Robot Congress will be held in Beijing until August 21.
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New York State Comptroller: Brooklyn has $874 million in unfunded funds
800 Elderly Receive Robot Companion Interaction to Relieve Loneliness
New York state officials will distribute robots to hundreds of elderly residents to remind them to take medication, help contact relatives, book a taxi, Uber, and even joke around.
The Office for the Aging in New York State (NYSOFA) will send these robots to the homes of 800 elderly people to solve the growing problem of loneliness among the elderly.
Greg Olsen, director of NYSOFA, said the robots are ElliQ, made by Israeli tech firm Intuition Robotics, and are reportedly more proactive than Apple ’ s Siri and Amazon ’ s Alexa.
Olson says ElliQ is proactive, remembers interactions with owners and focuses on health and wellness, stress reduction, sleep, hydration, and more.
ElliQ consists of two parts.
One part is like a face, shaped like a light, equipped with a microphone and speaker that lights up and rotates to interact with people, and the other part is a touch tablet that can make video calls and display pictures and messages.
The ElliQ robot is subscribed for $30 to $40 per month and initially has to pay a registration fee of $250.
Vox, a news review website, said robots had been used to accompany elderly people long before the outbreak, especially in aging countries such as Japan, Denmark and Italy, and state governments in New York, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Florida and other jurisdictions have tried similar programs, such as providing robotic pets to residents of nursing homes and retirement communities.
Just a month before the global outbreak, the National Academies reported that one in three adults over the age of 45 in the United States felt lonely, and the proportion of young people was unexpectedly high.
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Robotic pets have been found to reduce loneliness in 70% of recipients, and decrease pain by 75%, with over 31,500 pets distributed to socially isolated individuals in New York since 2018.

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Content: SHARE

Cure For Loneliness? Robotic Pets Going Out To Thousands Of Socially Isolated NYers

Call it four-legged companionship without the need for potty training.

Thousands of animatronic pets are on their way to older, socially isolated New Yorkers in an effort to combat what experts describe as a crisis of loneliness.

The state’s Office for the Aging (OFA) announced Sunday, June 3, that Rhode Island-based Ageless Innovation is delivering another 4,725 robotic pets and games to elderly adults through New York State’s aging network.

Since 2018, OFA has distributed more than 31,500 of the plush, lifelike pets, which are designed to make realistic sounds and movements, to those assessed as socially isolated and lonely.

A pilot study conducted in 2018 found that 70 percent of recipients reported a reduction or significant reduction in loneliness, plus a 75 percent decrease in pain.

The state’s intergenerational game project, Joy for All, includes Scrabble Bingo, Trivial Pursuit Generations, and Game of Life Generations. Through a partnership with Hasbro launched in 2023, the games have been tailored to an older crowd by featuring larger fonts and intergenerational gameplay and storylines.

“We’ve initiated multiple innovative solutions, bolstered by technology, to connect people, provide companionship, and significantly reduce isolation and its consequences,” said OFA Director Greg Olsen. “Proudly, I can say data shows our efforts are working and exceeding expectations. “

Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness put older adults at an increased risk of a number of health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, depression, cognitive decline, and even death, according to the National Council on Aging.

Learn more about New York’s Animatronic Pet Initiative, including eligibility, on the Office for the Aging website

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For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

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

These pets can improve seniors' cardiovascular health and quality of life, decrease anxiety and depression, and provide a sense of purpose, with some models being designed to remind seniors of real pets they owned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 in therapeutic settings, such as in care units for seniors with dementia, where they can help reduce anxiety and aggression, and are being used to comfort children who have lost their homes, with 500 robotic pets being sent to children from Ukraine.

Title:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

The use of robotic pets raises ethical concerns, including the potential for replacing human interaction and the need for regulations to ensure responsible deployment, with some experts believing that comprehensive risk assessments and safety protocols are necessary to prevent accidents and ensure the safe interaction between humans and robots.

Title:

Content: Summary:
Robots have become an integral part of our lives, revolutionizing various industries and enhancing our everyday experiences.
From manufacturing and healthcare to transportation and entertainment, robots are deployed in diverse real-life scenarios.
This article explores the different areas where robots make a big impact, highlighting their capabilities and potential future developments.
Where do you see robots in real life?
Robots have gone from just science fiction to reality in our daily lives.
It is no longer confined to the fields of research laboratories and manufacturing plants, but it has found its way into various sectors, revolutionizing the way we live and work.
Here are some areas where robots are making a big impact:
1.
Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry has undergone a major transformation with the introduction of robotics.
These machines are able to perform repetitive tasks accurately and quickly, resulting in increased productivity and reduced costs.
Industrial robots are commonly used in assembly lines, welding, coating and packaging processes.
2.
Healthcare: Robots are increasingly being used in the healthcare sector to help doctors, nurses and patients.
Surgical robots allow minimally invasive procedures, enhancing accuracy and reducing recovery time.
Robots are also being used in rehabilitation centers to help patients in the recovery process.
In addition, robotic exoskeletons are being developed to assist individuals with motor disabilities.
3.
Transportation: Self-driving vehicles, including self-driving cars and drones, are transforming the transportation industry.
These robots use advanced sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms to navigate and transport goods or passengers safely.
Self-driving cars have the potential to reduce accidents and traffic congestion, while drones are being explored for delivery services and aerial surveillance.
4.
Entertainment: Robots have found their way into the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with their performance.
From animated characters in theme parks to robotic pets and escorts, these machines provide interactive and engaging experiences.
In addition, robots are used in filmmaking for special effects and as an alternative to dangerous or complex scenes.
5.
Home and personal assistance: Robotic devices are increasingly integrated into our homes to help with various tasks.
Smart home systems use robots to control lighting, temperature and security, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
Self-help robots can do household chores, such as vacuuming or mowing grass, saving individuals time to focus on other activities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Are robots replacing human workers?
A: While robots automate some tasks, they also create new jobs.
The integration of robotics often leads to the creation of more specialized roles that require human expertise in the operation and maintenance of these machines.
Q: What are the ethical implications of using robots in real life?
A: The increasing use of robots raises ethical concerns regarding the privacy, security and potential displacement of human workers.
It is important to develop regulations and guidelines to ensure responsible and ethical deployment of robots in various fields.
Q: What does the future hold for robots in real life?
A: The future of robotics is promising, with advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensing technologies.
We can expect to see robots play a more important role in healthcare, education, agriculture and space exploration, among other areas.
However, a balance between human involvement and robotic automation is necessary to ensure harmonious coexistence.

Title:

Content: Summary:
In the world of robotics, the question of the first human death due to a robot is a topic that captivates the imagination of many.
While robots have become increasingly prevalent in various industries, concerns have also emerged about their potential risks.
This article delves into the history of robotics, explores notable incidents involving robotics and human deaths, and offers insight into the future of human-robot interactions.
Introduction:
Robots have evolved from being science fiction to becoming an integral part of our daily lives.
As these machines become more advanced and autonomous, questions have arisen about their safety and potential risks.
The idea of a robot that causes the first human death has aroused the interest of many, prompting a careful examination of the history, accidents involving robots and deaths.
Evolution of Robots:
The concept of robotics dates back to ancient times, with early examples in Greek mythology, Chinese folklore and ancient Egyptian folklore.
However, important advances in robotics only began to take shape in the 20th century.
The introduction of industrial robots in the 1960s marked a turning point, revolutionizing manufacturing processes and paving the way for further developments.
Notable incidents:
While the idea of a robot causing the death of a human may seem like a plot from a science fiction movie, there have been instances where such tragedies have occurred.
Notable among the incidents was a worker at a Volkswagen plant in Germany who was injured with a robotic arm, which led to his death in 2015.
The incident highlighted the importance of strict safety measures and raised questions about the responsibility of both humans and robots in ensuring a safe working environment.
The future of human-robot interactions:
As robots continue to advance, the need for clear guidelines and regulations regarding human-robot interactions is becoming increasingly critical.
Collaborative robots, or collaborative robots, are designed to work alongside humans, underlining the importance of safety protocols and effective communication between humans and machines.
In addition, continuous research and development aims to enhance robot intelligence and decision-making capabilities, reducing the likelihood of accidents and deaths.
Questions and Answers:
Q: Did the robot intentionally cause the death of a human being?
A: There are no documented cases where the robot intentionally caused the death of a human.
Accidents involving fatalities are usually the result of technical malfunctions, human error, or a combination of both.
Q: Are robots becoming more dangerous?
A: While robots are becoming more advanced and capable, their inherent danger lies in the possibility of accidents caused by technical failures or inadequate safety measures.
As technology advances, it is necessary to prioritize safety and establish strong regulations.
Q: How can we ensure the safety of humans working with robots?
A: Implementing comprehensive safety protocols, conducting comprehensive risk assessments and providing appropriate training for both humans and robots are essential steps to ensure the safety of individuals working alongside robots.
Conclusion:
The question of the first human death due to a robot is a thought-provoking topic that highlights the need for responsible development and implementation of robots.
Although accidents have led to deaths, they serve as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and ongoing research to mitigate risks.
As robots continue to evolve, it is essential to strike a balance between harnessing the potential of these machines and ensuring the well-being of humans in their interactions with robots.

Despite these concerns, robotic pets have been found to have a positive impact on users' mental and physical health, particularly in reducing loneliness and social isolation, and are being used in various settings, including assisted living and memory care units, to provide comfort and relaxation to both seniors and caregivers.

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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.
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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?

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?

Overall, robotic pets have the potential to provide emotional comfort and companionship to individuals in need, and efforts are being made to make them more accessible to low-income individuals and those in remote or underserved areas, with donations being made to support the provision of robotic pets to those in need, and bulk purchasing options available to reduce costs.

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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

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

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

Robotic pets can interact with humans and follow commands, and some can even replicate human facial expressions and simulate human skin and joints, with some models having advanced features such as 4D laser detection and conversational artificial intelligence.

How is Oppo marketing its Robotic dog Qric?

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

many features to enhance owner interaction

The technical requirements for robotic pets include sensors and actuators to navigate environments, and some models are powered by advanced chipsets, such as the Nvidia Jetson Xavier NX module, and have multiple sensors for movement and tricks.

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Content: Updated on Aug 11, 2021, 13:32 IST
· 2 min read

Xiaomi Is Now Making Robotic Mechanical Dogs & They Can Do A Mean Backflip

Tech Editor

Now that Xiaomi is the number 1 smartphone company in the world, it would be fair that the company will now focus on robotics. Xiaomi may have announced the Mi Mix 4, but it's also making a robotic buddy called the ‘CyberDog’. The robotic dog is an advanced mechanical pet that is along the same lines as the Boston Dynamics’ Spot.

What Are The CyberDog Specifications

© Xiaomi

The CyberDog’s ‘brain’ is powered by an Nvidia Jetson Xavier NX module that has 384 CUDA cores, 48 Tensor cores, six Carmel CPU cores, and two cores dedicated for deep learning. The entire module is responsible for crunching information that the CyberDog needs to operate its 11 sensors. These sensors enable movement for the CyberDog and can even perform tricks like a backflip. The CyberDog can also track “high-speed movements” at up to 3.2m/s (11.5 km/h or 7.15 mph).

There are several cameras on the robot’s body that includes an Intel RealSense D450 depth sensor for accurate tracking. The camera is also used to avoid real-world obstacles, follow its owner and avoid pitfalls.

© Xiaomi

The CyberDog can also detect voices and can be activated using a wake word. The CyberDog also supports other types of voice commands and digital voice assistants. In addition, the CyberDog also has three USB-C ports and an HDMI port. The ports can be used by developers for testing new code, add-on hardware and other development purposes.

CyberDog Price And Availability

© Xiaomi

The CyberDog isn’t really available to everyone and is more of a prototype for developers and engineers to test on. Xiaomi will make 1,000 CyberDogs available to engineers, enthusiasts, and fans to start its own open-source robotics program. Xiaomi will be selling the CyberDog for 9,999 yuan or Rs 1.14 lakh at the moment.

Xiaomi did not disclose whether the CyberDog will be available to the public anytime soon and the initial rollout will be very limited. For now, we’re just astonished at what the CyberDog can do and how the company plans to advance its robotics program.

What do you think of Xiaomi’s CyberDog? Would you get a robotic pet for your home or do you find something like this quite creepy? Let us know in the comments how you feel about the CyberDog.

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Robotic pets are being used to provide comfort and companionship to patients with dementia and serious health issues, and are funded mostly through donations, with a cost of around $150 per unit, and are being provided to children with serious health issues and seniors in need.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

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

The use of robotic pets has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, decrease anxiety and depression, and improve quality of life for seniors with dementia, and can provide a sense of purpose and companionship, with some models being designed to remind seniors of real pets they owned.

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?

Robotic pets are also being used in hospital settings to assist nurses with tasks, such as distributing food and personal belongings to patients, and providing health maintenance tips, and are being used to alleviate loneliness in elderly Americans, with some models using AI to remind users to take medicine and drink water, and to make video calls to contact relatives, friends, or doctors.

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Content: NEWS
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November 23, 07: 30
Technology
Robot cats appeared in three hospitals
There are robot cats in hospitals.
They do part of the work of nurses: distribute food and personal belongings to patients, escort them to the right office and even share useful tips on maintaining health.
You can meet robotic cats in three city clinics.
These are hospitals No. 15 and 67, as well as the Sklifosovsky Research Institute.
So far, robots are being used in test mode.
Read more – on the air of the TV channel Moscow 24.
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For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

How have robotic cats been assiting patients in hospitals?

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

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

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

How have robotic cats been assiting patients in hospitals?

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

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

The cost of robotic pets can range from $100 to $300 per unit, depending on the type and features of the pet, and some organizations are donating robotic pets to patients, including children and veterans with dementia, with clinical studies supporting the use of robotic pets as a comfort source, and showing that they can reduce agitation and depression in veterans with dementia, and prevent depression in children.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

Overall, robotic pets have the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of elderly and lonely individuals, and their integration into existing healthcare systems could have significant implications for healthcare policy, insurance coverage, and accessibility, with further research needed to fully understand the implications of robotic pets on healthcare policy, insurance coverage, and accessibility for low-income or underserved populations.

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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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For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

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

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

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

For 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?