Central Florida-based Senior Resource Alliance (Website), an agency that focuses on aging gracefully, is on a mission to combat loneliness in seniors with artificial intelligence.
ElliQ is an AI companion robot that can help its user set reminders, track vitals, connect with loved ones, play games, and more, all from the comfort of home. It’s basically a Google Dot or an Alexa device but with a round glowing circle of a “face” that moves around and looks at you when you speak to it. Not unlike the Eye of Sauron, but probably more helpful with Seasonal Affective Disorder than maliciously looking for the magic ring in your pocket.
“Companionship, cognitive stimulation and assistance with daily tasks can all be life-
changing for isolated older adults – and the ElliQ care companion robots will allow us to extend that support to hundreds of local seniors,” says Karla Radka, SRA president and
CEO. “We’re excited to explore the potential of this innovative partnership with Intuition
Robotics as we empower Florida’s aging community members to live fulfilling,
independent lives.”
The Senior Resource Alliance is distributing ElliQ devices to qualifying seniors in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties for one year, free of charge, as part of a pilot program to see if the machine can help tackle social isolation programs that many older adults face. We’re guessing that the pilot test means they’re recording how seniors interact with the machines, so maybe don’t give it to that one older uncle who thinks his toaster is stealing his data.
Seniors and their caregivers and loved ones can check if they are eligible to receive an ElliQ, courtesy of SRA, HERE. If eligible, applicants will be redirected to complete the SRA application form. Anyone 60 years and older who lives in the designated counties may apply.