Robot Companion For Seniors Gets New Skills To Battle Loneliness

Israeli company Intuition Robotics has launched the 3rd generation of its companion robot, with new hardware and generative AI capabilities aimed at countering the loneliness experienced by many seniors.

ElliQ, which was created by the Ramat Gan-based startup, is an AI table-top robot designed to improve the lives of seniors by promoting healthy and independent living. 

After it raised $25 million in its latest funding round, Intuition updated the hardware in ElliQ and created new software capabilities that make it more user-friendly. 

It has also been made lighter and smaller, making it easier for seniors to handle. 

Improvements also include twice the computing power and memory, and the introduction of a dual-core processing unit that accelerates the AI platform with lower power consumption. 

There has also been an upgrade to the software technology that makes real-time decisions on scripted conversations and generative AI conversations, using both context and machine learning.  

“ElliQ is proving to be highly effective in reducing older adults’ sense of loneliness, improving health and independence, and increasing social connectedness,” said Intuition Robotics co-founder and CEO Dor Skuler. 

“The launch of ElliQ 3 allows us to reach more older adults and expand partnerships with government services for the aging and the healthcare ecosystem while offering valuable insights and context.”