ElliQ Robot To Help Israel's Grandmas And Grandpas
ElliQ is a robotic companion created by Israel's Intuition Robotics. It aims to make the lives of older adults less lonely and more engaging.
(ElliQ robot for eldercare video)
The device, whose design came about from a collaboration with Yves Béhar, was unveiled at the Design Museum in London as a part of the New Old: Designing for our Future Selves exhibition.
What they came up with is a robot and tablet platform that they are calling an active aging companion.
In looking to develop technology that would do the most good for older adults, the Intuitive team decided to focus on three major areas of need. It should be pointed out that the Elli•Q device is meant for older adults who can still take care of themselves, remembering the title of active aging companion, so this should not be considered a replacement for a home care worker.
The device itself, packed with sensors, currently has two main parts: the moving robot head and the tablet where most of the interaction occurs.
Philip K. Dick also thought about how robots could help the elderly. Here's what he says about robants in his 1953 short story The Impossible Planet:
Behind Norton came a withered old woman. Beside her moved a gleaming robant, a towering robot servant, supporting her with his arm. The robant and the tiny old woman entered the control room slowly...
"Irma Vincent Gordon," Andrews murmured. He glanced up. "Is that right?"
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