By: Zixian Huang
Loneliness is a big problem that occurs in millions of older adults, but could AI robot companions be the cure to that?
Air force veteran and gadget freak Ken Mattlin (86) lives in Bakersfield, California with his wife, Audrey (84) and 3 bots: ElliQ, Astro, and Jibo.
According to Duke Today, “A growing body of research on companion robots suggests they can reduce stress and loneliness and can help older people remain healthy and active in their homes.”
ElliQ, a desktop lamp-like bot with a tablet attached on the side mainly chats with Audrey, and also calls her nicknames. It basically is an “AI-powered companion designed to support and accompany older adults on the journey to age independently, while reducing loneliness and isolation.” (elliq.com)
Astro is a bot on wheels made by Amazon. It was described as a “new kind of household robot that integrates Alexa, advanced hardware, software, computer vision, and AI.” The bot currently has 3 main purposes: finding people by using face ID, following people on command, delivering snacks or drinks. Astro can also act as a charging port, and a security guard when the owner is away.
Jibo was created in 2017 and is the most life-like of the Mattlins’ bots, which is no surprise as the developers spent 3 years fine tuning his personality, animation, and interacting with people. He sits on a table next to Ken, who loves asking Jibo to show off his dancing moves.
These bots greatly increased conversation in the Mattlin household. Earlier this month, columnist writer for LA Times Steve Lopez visited the Mattlins. He wrote, “For nearly three hours, the conversation was nonstop at the home of Audrey and Ken Mattlin, who happen to live with several robots.” And because the definition for “lonely” is “sad because one has no friends or company”, the small talk that companion bots offer can definitely help make people less lonely.
Sources: Lopez: The Jetsons have nothing on Bakersfield couple, in their 80s, and their family of robots – Los Angeles Times
Could AI-powered Robot “Companions” Combat Human Loneliness? | Duke Today
ElliQ, the sidekick for healthier, happier aging