TechCrunch: Robotic cats, dogs are being deployed amid an ‘epidemic of loneliness’
Image credit: Ageless Innovations / Joy for All
Robotic pets—think cats, dogs, birds, and even seals—are being used to help older adults combat loneliness.
With many seniors feeling isolated, especially after the pandemic, these robots are stepping in to offer some much-needed companionship. They’re designed to interact and respond like real animals, aiming to make people feel more connected and comforted.
As the technology keeps improving, these robotic pets are getting more realistic and more accessible. Since 2018, New York state’s Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) has handed out over 30,000 of these “pets” to its older residents.
I saw these pets in person at a recent American Society on Aging conference in San Francisco. At first glance, I wasn’t particularly impressed. They were cute, sure. But I couldn’t see my grandpa warming up to one.
But then a few caregivers came up to the booth. Unprompted, they told the Ageless Innovations representative how much these products had changed the lives of their residents.
“Their faces immediately light up when they see the dog!” One said.
The rep demoed their latest product — a bird, officially named the “Walker Squawker,” which can be mounted to a walker. He tapped its head and it cooed. He used the walker to walk a bit and then stopped. The bird sang a tune to remind the owner not to forget about him.
It was cute, compact, and useful. And, after seeing how many times a loved one forgot their walker, or tried to do without one and ending up suffering a fall, I saw the potential of these products, and others like them to create tech that really connects with people and enhances their lives.
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