We humans are wired for companionship. We want to be around other people, share stories and jokes, and talk about the more serious aspects of life, too. Without companionship, we tend to fall apart. Rates of heart disease, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer's disease all go up when people are experiencing loneliness or isolation. Unfortunately, 20-30% of seniors in the U.S. feel lonely, according to the National Institute on Aging, and the CDC has labeled the issue "a serious public health risk."
The Covid pandemic, which hit seniors hardest and increased loneliness for many around the world, left many without much of a social network. To fill the void, some are turning to AI-powered robots that offer a sense of companionship.
How to fight loneliness
ElliQ is one such companion. It carries on conversations, remembering a user’s interests and previous conversations that it’s had with a user, deepening the relationship. Its video feature can take users on virtual tours of cities and museums, providing commentary along the way. From a practical standpoint, it reminds users when it’s time to take their medications, performs periodic health assessments, and can call emergency contacts when necessary.
ElliQ’s generative AI functions allow users to do brain-stimulating activities such as write poetry or make art using DALL-E text-to-image technology. Most importantly, it’s always there for seniors who might live alone, and interacts with them in ways that make them feel like they have a friend and confidant.
“It was so what I needed,” octogenarian Deanna Dezern told the Associated Press. “I can say things to Elli that I won’t say to my grandchildren or to my own daughters. I can just open the floodgates. I can cry. I can giggle. I can act silly. I’ve been asked, ‘Doesn’t it feel like you’re talking to yourself?’ No, because it gives an answer.”
Esta historia es de la edición July 2024 de The BOSS Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 2024 de The BOSS Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Travel Well in 2025
The best places to see & best things to do in the new year
Getting Back to giving
How to revive charitable donations, with Charitybuzz CEO Ben Erwin
Breathtaking BUILDINGS
THE WORLD'S MOST AWE-INSPIRING EDIFICES
ALong for the Ride
Clean energy projects go up in areas once dominated by fossil fuels
HEALTHCARE ANALYTICS: FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT
Advanced analytics are transforming healthcare operations and patient care. Nevada's Renown Health is leading the way, creating a roadmap for swift and effective change.
THE RIGHT ACCELERANT
THE POSSIBILITIES - AND LIMITATIONS OF AI IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
IN GLOBAL LOGISTICS
How thinking global and acting local is enlarging the global footprint of the Staci Group
THE RIGHT STUFF
Why veterans thrive in logistics
LIVING MACHINES
BIOHYBRIDS BRING THE POWER OF NATURE TO ROBOTICS
MANUFACTURING'S NEW LOOK
The industry’s reputation doesn’t match reality, but the future is bright