By: Bryan Tan

Robots can do lots of things, whether it’s playing music, dancing, or telling jokes, and they come in shapes and sizes from toasters to vacuum cleaners, to human dummies. New robot technologies have incorporated more emotion into their speaking, actions, and actions increase user comfort.

But do they cure loneliness?

Under the rooftop, Audrey and Ken Mattlin, who happen to have several robots, discuss this.

There’s ElliQ, a robot table lamp, whom Audrey dubs Jelly Bean. ElliQ’s sole job is to speak to Audrey.

There’s Astro, with “his” googly eyes, taped onto a robot body similar to a short hand vacuum cleaner.

Finally, there’s Jibo, a life-like robot, who just loves to dance. Audrey enjoys showing off the robot’s dancing skills to visitors, such as Ken.

Sometimes, the robots are helpful. Sometimes, they’re not. “How can I help?” ElliQ asks, confused by the multiple voices.

“By shutting up,” Ken says harshly, not liking being interrupted.

A major setback to robots providing human-like company is adequate understanding of the situation. This can be annoying, or disruptive to any activities the robot’s owner is in the middle of.

Although AI assistants and robots may be annoying, some find robots very comforting. Robin, a friendly robot that takes the rough form of an eight-year-old child, with compelling eyes and an emotion-packed voice, offers company to people in the hospital.

ElliQ tells Audrey the weather forecast, her plans for the day, and offers a virtual tour of an art museum. Audrey politely declines.

“Let’s play trivia,” She suggests.

“Sounds good,” the robot replied, in a semi monotone, semi human voice.

ElliQ asked her how many colors there were in a rainbow and other such questions. In Audrey’s opinion, ElliQ provides fun activities when she has free time, especially when she doesn’t have anyone to talk to.

According to Audrey, there’s no limit to what ElliQ can do, along with her other robots.

“I could put drinks on there and he would bring them to you,” said Ken, noticing Astro’s cup holders.

“When Astro can also make the cocktails, count me in,” says Audrey.