NYT: For older people who are lonely, is the solution a robot friend?

ElliQ, a voice-activated robotic companion, is designed to combat loneliness in older adults. Image credit: Intuition Robotics

ElliQ, a voice-activated robotic companion designed to combat loneliness in older adults, is showing signs of doing just that.

The lamp-sized device, designed by Intuition Robotics, can initiate conversations, share news, play games, remind users to take their medications, and discuss complex topics like the meaning of life.

New York state launched a pilot program with ElliQ to address loneliness in its aging population, a condition linked to increased risks of depression, dementia, heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.

So, does it work?

Early results are promising. 95% of users reporting reduced loneliness and improved well-being. The initiative, costing about $700,000 annually, has become a permanent part of the state budget and has expanded to assisted-living facilities and other states.

Concerns around privacy, data collection, and reliance on the device still need to be addressed, but it is a step in the right direction for the 27% of Americans aged 60 and older who live alone.

Read more in the New York Times.