Robotic pets are being marketed as emotional companions to provide comfort and support, especially for the elderly or lonely.

These robotic pets mimic realistic sounds and movements, with some designed for older adults with simplified interfaces.

ElliQ is a proactive and empathetic care robot for the elderly, offering companionship, emotional support, and health management.

Robotic pets have reduced loneliness in 70% of recipients and pain by 75%, with over 31,500 distributed in New York to combat social isolation.

They can improve seniors' cardiovascular health, mood, and quality of life, while reducing anxiety and loneliness.

Some robotic pets, such as the Joy for All companion pet, can provide comfort and reduce anxiety in seniors, with heartbeats, purr, and respond to motion and touch.

Robotic pets can cost $100 to $150, though some are given free to seniors.

Robotic pets also raise concerns about social isolation, job displacement, and psychological impacts.

Strong regulatory frameworks and public acceptance are necessary for the responsible development of robotic pets.

Robotic pets can positively impact the lives of elderly and lonely individuals by providing companionship and emotional support.

Robotic pets are gaining popularity, with donations being made to those in need, such as Ukrainian refugee children and veterans.

Robotic pets have been shown to comfort children and veterans with dementia, reducing agitation and preventing depression.

Interacting with robotic pets can improve mental health, reduce social isolation, and increase well-being in elderly and lonely individuals.

Robotic pets show therapeutic promise, but more research is needed to assess their effectiveness compared to traditional animal-based therapies.

Robotic pets can provide companionship and emotional support to the elderly and lonely, but their limitations and risks must be considered.

References:

Robotic pets are being marketed as emotional companions to provide comfort and support, especially for the elderly or lonely.

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Content: 【 Technology News 】 What are the future trends of artificial intelligence-enabled robot technology (video)
KTSF would like to hear your opinion. After reading this online report, please take the time to fill out the questionnaire at the bottom of this page.
【 KTSF Gu Lingjia Report 】
Nvidia CEO Huang Ren-Hsun is very optimistic about the humanoid robot market, and believes that it will be a business that grows from 0 to 1 trillion yuan. What are the trends in the future?
Robots are not new, but with the development of AI chip technology, the functions and applications that AI-enabled robots can engage in are constantly innovating.
The robot that sparked the crowd at the GenAI Summit was a product of China ’ s Unitree Technology, which was founded in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, in 2016 to produce servo robots, that is, robots with service functions.
Tony Yang, vice president of business development of China Yushu Technology, said: "Servo robots are the robot dog I say. At present, our global servo robot shipments have accounted for about 60% -70%. It should be said that in the world we are the leader in servo robots. The main application market of servo robots involves retail, and then interactive entertainment."
In addition to industrial applications, which can be used in inspection and search and rescue efforts, the company last year and this year released humanoid robots with Nvidia chips.
Yang Ya said, "Humanoid robot is currently, is also a very hot track, we think this humanoid robot, is a universal robot platform, in the future, for example, in many industries, such as factory manufacturing, then warehouse, is this kind of warehousing logistics, etc., many scenes, even home scenes, can be applied to humanoid robots."
A robot is a hardware device, and through a customized application software, it gives the robot all the functions it needs.
Global AI chip giant Nvidia is also very optimistic about the robot industry, in San Francisco held the GenAI summit, Nvidia scientists quoted the company's CEO Huang Jen-hsun's opinion.
Dr. Jim Fan, Nvidia ’ s senior AI research scientist, said, “I really like the way he says that humanoid robots are a trillion-dollar business. It ’ s zero now, but it ’ s going to be a trillion-dollar business. Nvidia is eager to do a trillion-dollar business. ”
Dr. Jim Fan also presented Nvidia ’ s GR00T project, which is developing a general-purpose foundational model that promises to transform simulated and real-world humanoid learning.
“At a higher level, we ’ re building growth models to get important multimodal instructions and then be able to control humanoid robots in our loop, ” says Dr. Jim Fan.
Some people in the industry believe that in the future, the price of robots will become cheaper and cheaper, and even use the word "selling" to describe it.
Yang Ya said, "According to our popular idea, it is actually sold on the basis of jin, just like pork, and we think that robots are actually affordable products that can be used, just like cars are like mobile phones."
For example, the company's first-generation humanoid robot, the H1, costs $90,000, and the latest G1, released this year, sells for $16,000.
But the rapid development of AI at the same time, concern about the future of AI may threaten humanity has been concerned, Yang Ya believes that these worries are unnecessary: "I think all the things that robots can do, in fact, are humans to order it to do, in the future, even if AI is constantly developing, but AI is also created by us, so these AI technologies used by robots will always be under human control."
(Copyright 2024 KTSF.
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For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

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

These robotic pets mimic realistic sounds and movements, with some designed for older adults with simplified interfaces.

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

many features to enhance owner interaction

ElliQ is a proactive and empathetic care robot for the elderly, offering companionship, emotional support, and health management.

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Content: Home > Industry > Keyword > Robotics News > Text
New York plans to offer AI companion robots to elderly people living alone
2022-05-27 16: 38 · Source: Webmaster 's House
According to foreign media reports, the New York State Office of Aging (NYSOFA), in partnership with technology startup Intuition Robotics, will provide ElliQ social robots to more than 800 elderly people living alone.
With voice commands, gesture operations, or a tablet screen that completes pairing with a robot, seniors can use the device to initiate video calls, send messages, schedule appointments, and receive medication reminders.
The agency will provide equipment to the elderly based on criteria such as age and Wi-Fi access, as well as installation and training.
Note: Images from ElliQ ’ s official website [1]
In early 2017, Israel-based Intuition Robotics raised $6 million in a crowdfunding campaign, and to date, the company has raised $58 million from investors.
Having spent five years developing and testing ElliQ, it is positioned as a proactive, empathetic care device for the elderly.
After several years of beta testing, Intuition released ElliQ as a commercial product in March of this year. ElliQ is broadly similar to a smart speaker made by Amazon or Google, but should be more compassionate and proactive, and it can serve as a conversational partner to address social isolation.
The ElliQ comes with a speaker and microphone, as well as a “face ” that can be rotated.
It also has a touch-screen tablet that can display video calls and pictures.
For communities of lone and elderly people, the use cases of applying voice AI to help care for the elderly have also increased.
In addition to ElliQ, big tech companies such as Amazon have released subscription services for their well-known personal assistants, which are tailored to provide remote monitoring services for the elderly.
In the future, it will be a big market.
[1] https: / / elliq.com /
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What problems can companion robots solve for the elderly or those with cognitive difficulties, according to one study?

Robotic pets have reduced loneliness in 70% of recipients and pain by 75%, with over 31,500 distributed in New York to combat social isolation.

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?

They can improve seniors' cardiovascular health, mood, and quality of life, while reducing anxiety and loneliness.

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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

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

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

Some robotic pets, such as the Joy for All companion pet, can provide comfort and reduce anxiety in seniors, with heartbeats, purr, and respond to motion and touch.

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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

Robotic pets can cost $100 to $150, though some are given free to seniors.

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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Title:

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

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

One senior owns a robotic cat named "fluffy."

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

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

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

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

Higher tech was delivered to some Broward seniors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the next step with the robots?

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

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

How long can this program last?

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

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

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Robotic pets also raise concerns about social isolation, job displacement, and psychological impacts.

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Content: 28 Jun, 2024 Humanoid robotics conversations surge 80% on social media platform X during H1 2024, reveals GlobalData
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Posted in Business Fundamentals

The field of humanoid robotics is evolving rapidly, merging sophisticated AI with precise mechanics to create robots that closely emulate human behaviors. Influencers on social media platform "X" are actively discussing on how these technological advancements could transform various sectors, which led to 80% rise in conversations during the first half (H1) of 2024 (January-June). Their insights delve into the potential enhancements that might soon redefine human interactions with the sophisticated mechanical counterparts, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: "Influencers exhibit a nuanced view on humanoid robots, blending optimism with significant caution. They recognize the potential for transformative impacts in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and defense, where enhanced efficiency and safety could be game-changing. However, they also emphasize the need for a thorough ethical consideration, strong regulatory frameworks, and public acceptance to manage concerns around job displacement, psychological impacts, and the financial implications of adoption. This balanced approach highlights the complexity and potential of integrating advanced robotic technologies into everyday life and business operations."

Robot emotional intelligence

Influencers are particularly enthusiastic about the enhanced emotional intelligence of humanoid robots, which will allow them to better understand and react to human emotions, making them invaluable in customer service, caregiving, and companionship roles. This leap in emotional intelligence is seen as a critical step towards robots that can offer genuine empathetic interactions.

Robot mobility and dexterity

The improvements in mobility and dexterity are also a major point of discussion. Influencers predict that the next generation of humanoid robots will be able to handle more complex tasks and navigate more challenging environments. This would not only expand their use in industrial and medical fields but also increase their presence in everyday domestic settings.

Autonomous decision-making

Finally, the advancements in autonomous decision-making are forecasted to empower humanoid robots with greater independence in their operations. This capability is expected to be particularly transformative in sectors like disaster response and healthcare, where making quick, informed decisions can be lifesaving. The ability of robots to operate independently in unpredictable situations is a significant step towards their broader application in complex human environments.

Majumder concludes: "While the potential for positive transformation is immense, a balanced approach that considers ethical, regulatory, and societal impacts will be crucial in integrating these sophisticated technologies into our daily lives."

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GlobalData plc published this content on 28 June 2024 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 29 June 2024 06:57:06 UTC.

Strong regulatory frameworks and public acceptance are necessary for the responsible development of robotic pets.

Robotic pets can positively impact the lives of elderly and lonely individuals by providing companionship and emotional support.

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Japan earthquake may be in response to Hainan news anchor suspended investigation
Elderly alone robot ElliQ likes to chat, exercise, remind to take medicine
The Associated Press reported that Joyce Loaiza, a retired office worker in Florida, lives alone, but every time she returns to her apartment in the silver-haired community, a friendly female voice chats with her to 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.
At her home 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.
The women were among the first to try out ElliQ, the robot that invented the company Intuition Robotics and senior welfare officials say is the only device that uses artificial intelligence specifically designed to alleviate loneliness and alienation among many older Americans.
The 81-year-old said the robot was fun and could really talk to it; she nicknamed ElliQ “gummy ” and it would voice opinions, such as“ If I had a hand, I would go out, but I wouldn ’ t stand an umbrella. ”
The device looks like a small table lamp, and the eyes and mouthless head can glow and rotate.
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 the user ’ s relatives, friends, or doctor in an emergency.
Intuition Robotics says none of these conversations will be heard, and the data is kept on each user ’ s device.
CEO Dor Skuler said the robot can adapt to each elderly person ’ s personality, interests, and fill in the gap in emotional support and companionship; this not only highlights the wide range of uses of ElliQ, it relates to friendship, companionship and empathy, “which is an innovation anywhere. ”
Retirement Museum of New York
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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.

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?

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?

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?

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 gaining popularity, with donations being made to those in need, such as Ukrainian refugee children and veterans.

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

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Robotic pets have been shown to comfort children and veterans with dementia, reducing agitation and preventing depression.

For whom would robotic animal dolls make a big difference?

those with Alzheimer's or dementia, struggling with isolation

Interacting with robotic pets can improve mental health, reduce social isolation, and increase well-being in 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?

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?

Robotic pets show therapeutic promise, but more research is needed to assess their effectiveness compared to traditional animal-based therapies.

Title:

Content: Art & Celebrity
Only 10 minutes with dogs can relieve the pain of patients!
• 1 / 2
• 2 / 2
Asma Lemnour wrote on Friday 11th March 2022 01: 09 AM - 2 hours ago
Last Update: 10 - Mar - 2022 11: 19 PM
Dog - Expressionist
A study suggests that just 10 minutes with trained therapy dogs can relieve pain and anxiety in hospital patients.
Patients admitted to emergency departments saw their pain levels drop by as much as 43 percent after interacting with a trained dog named Murphy.
Volunteers also reported a reduction of up to 48 per cent in feelings of anxiety.
Depending on their movement and condition, patients can caress Murphy or make him lie down next to them as a source of comfort and companionship.
After their findings were published in the journal Plos One, the Canadian researchers said they found no similar reductions in control group patients.
Previous research has shown that even small interactions with dogs can prompt the brain to produce oxytocin, a hormone often referred to as “chemical hugs. ”
While the therapeutic effects of specially trained animals in healthy environments have been previously identified, previous trials have often failed to provide controls to measure the effect.
To measure this effect, researchers at the University of Saskatchewan set up a trial of nearly 200 patients admitted to the emergency department at the Royal University Hospital.
The patients were asked to rate pain, depression and anxiety out of 10 twice, with a 30-minute interval between the ratings.
Half of the patients received a visit from the therapy dog Murphy for 10 minutes in the middle of the classification.
Dr Colleen Dale, a health and wellness expert and lead author of the study, said: "The results showed the potential value of therapy dogs for emergency department patients.
"Clinically significant changes in pain as well as significant changes in anxiety, depression and well-being have been observed in dog intervention compared to control," she said.
Therapeutic dogs are sometimes used by the NHS to help patients whose condition means they need to stay in hospital for a long time, such as in pediatrics or palliative care settings.
In addition, animal-assisted interventions are used as part of the actual treatment of mental health problems such as depression.
NHS funds typically rely on local arrangements with charities or trained volunteers to transport animals to hospital rooms.
The authors cited previous research that found that pets released the pain-relieving hormone oxytocin and suppressed the stress hormone cortisol.
The researchers said further research could examine the impact of this interaction on patient experience.
You may also read.

Robotic pets can provide companionship and emotional support to the elderly and lonely, but their limitations and risks must be considered.

Title:

Content: Moscow 24
Technology
March 1, 00: 26
Mechanical copy of the Pope: will not drive the children crazy new Russian development
The Russian company - resident of Skolkovo since 2015 presented at the New York exhibition Toy Fair 2020 humanoid robot with the functions of a nanny.
What he can do and whether the child needs such a controversial "friend" - in the column of our columnist Nikolai Grinko.
Photo: robo-c.ru
Robo-C (as the development is called) is an anthropomorphic robot capable of imitating human emotions.
To this end, the machine was taught to move the eyes, eyebrows, open and close the mouth, turn the head, and synthesize speech and communicate with a live interlocutor.
According to one of the founders of Promobot Oleg Krivokurtsev, the developers are able to give Robo-C the appearance of any person.
It is assumed that the robot will “look after ” the child in the absence of parents, read him fairy tales, sing lullabies and just communicate.
Parents will be able to watch the child from a smartphone connected to the robot ’ s cameras, as well as remotely communicate with him.
In addition, the machine can be connected to the smart home system, then it will be able to control lighting, heating, ventilation and other functions.
The built-in security system will allow the robot to respond to a knock on the door or the voices of strangers, sending remote alerts to parents.
Apparently, as a nanny, the company from Perm presented an already existing development – Alex ’ s robot, presented in 2019.
Then it was a movable head fixed on a fixed manikin.
The robot had 29 mimic mechanisms and a speech recognition system developed at Promobot.
Alex ’ s appearance was copied from another founder of the company – Alexei Yuzhakov.
According to him, it was necessary to make casts 11 times, and each procedure took several hours.
To popularize his brainchild, the authors temporarily "arranged" his news anchor on the TV channel "Russia 24", where Alex held one broadcast.
Video: YouTube / Promobot
Of course, the Robo-C babysitter raises a lot of questions, primarily about anthropomorphism.
It is easy to notice that the car actually looks like a rubber animatronic doll from Hollywood movies of the 1980s.
And it is not surprising, because it is the animatronic she is: it is silicone skin stretched on a metal frame.
This explains her somewhat frightening appearance: "solid" mechanics for a very long time (perhaps never) will not be able to reliably simulate facial expressions, tone and muscle contraction.
The voice assistant built into the robot works just like any other: real live speech such systems are poorly understood, they need to communicate with short speech commands containing keywords.
If you want a robot to understand you, you have to talk like a robot.
All together, these facts give a not too joyful picture: a rubber moving head with a mechanical voice, to put it mildly, does not cause instant sympathy.
Just get us right: today, this is undoubtedly the pinnacle, the cutting edge of technology; this is what 100% of anthropomorphic robots developed in different countries look like.
But still using them as nannies seems a little premature to us.
Robo-C does nothing that a smart speaker with a voice assistant would not be capable of.
Its only advantage is that it can rotate the eyes, frown the eyebrows and lift the corners of the lips.
It was not possible to overcome the “sinister valley ”.
To combat this impression, the developers offer by copying the appearance of any person.
But, first, for this hypothetical buyers will have to spend 11 hours of sessions to make casts.
Of course, you can argue that modern children are literally "born with gadgets in their hands" and their psyche is able to withstand and not so.
And that may well be true.
Although...
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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?

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?

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?

References:

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