A look at six companion and support robots
video chats and even suggest music, podcasts or audiobooks. It also can suggest activities if you’ve been sitting too long.
For more info: elliq.com
CARE-O-BOT » This robot has a vaguely human shape with a round head, arms, hands, trays and a rolling base and is designed to provide health care, companionship and cognitive stimulation. It performs household tasks that include delivering food, drinks and medication as well as cooking and cleaning. This robot can communicate by voice, place emergency calls and host video conversations. It can react to gestures by tilting its head and making other motions and was designed and implemented in Germany.
For more info: care-o-bot.de
QOOBO » Developed in Japan, Qoobo is a robotic pillow with a tail. When stroked, the tail wags as if to say “hello,” purportedly giving users the feeling of interacting with a live pet and providing a sense of comfort. It was designed not only for older people but for those with pet allergies as well as apartment dwellers not permitted to own pets.
For more info: kickstarter. com/projects/1477302345/qoobo
LOVOT » This pint-size machine, also developed in Japan, is the size of a human baby and is billed as lifelike as it navigates the environment, recognizes people and asks for hugs. Its looks have been likened to a combination of a penguin, owl and huggable teddy bear. When rocked in a person’s arms, Lovot will close its “eyes” and appear in a state of sleep. It received the best robot award at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show and is considered notable because it isn’t designed to perform any tasks. Its purpose is to “recognize you and bother you,” according to a Forbes article.
For more info: lovot.life/en
PARO » This certified medical therapeutic robot looks like a baby harp seal and weighs about as much as a newborn human.
When petted, it opens its “eyes” and moves its “flipper.” It makes a sound similar to a baby seal’s and is active during the day and “sleeps” at night. Paro is said to have a calming effect on users and can recognize words such as its name, greetings and praise. When it responds to a stroke, it will remember its reaction and will respond the same way when stroked again. Developed in Japan, it has been used there and in Europe since 2003. Studies indicate Paro reduces patient and caregiver stress and improves relaxation, motivation and socialization among patients and their caregivers.
For more info: parorobots. com
TOMBOT » This robot was launched in 2017 in Santa Clarita by Tom Stevens, a former senior executive in the high tech industry whose mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and could no longer care for herself or her dog. The robot, named Jennie, looks like a puppy and responds to touch based on sensors all over its body. Through voice activation software, it reacts to commands, speaks when asked to do so, responds to its name and makes sounds based on recordings from 12-week-old dogs. A designer in its early development was Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. For more info: tombot.com
Robots and artificial intelligence provide an important service in compensating for elder care shortages. H.N., we thank you for bringing to our attention the importance of technology in the aging space. Although only a few of us may want robot elder care, the decision may depend on available options.
Stay safe and well.