California’s Agency on Aging in Area 4 Brings Companion Robots to Older Adults

California’s Agency on Aging\Area 4 announced a new program to distribute AI care companion robot, ElliQ, to older adults across Sacramento and Placer counties in California. This partnership with Intuition Robotics became possible through the Access to Technology initiative, which provides counties with grant funding to pursue programs that can help older adults gain access to digital connectivity and technology to reduce isolation, increase social connections and enhance self-confidence in navigating digital and online resources. The recruitment and validation of eligible participants will be done by AAA4 partners in these counties, and any older adults being serviced by AAA4 can apply to receive an ElliQ at no cost to themselves through their service providers or directly through the Agency on Aging.

ElliQ is designed to foster independence at home, while alleviating feelings of loneliness and social isolation. ElliQ provides companionship and support for older adults through daily check-ins, cognitive and physical activities, connection to family and friends and more using a simple and intuitive interface. The technology has shown unprecedented engagement levels with users averaging 20 interactions with ElliQ per day. It has been proven to reduce loneliness for 80% of users, while making 90% feel better and 82% stay more mentally active. ElliQ encourages older adults to take care of their social, mental and physical health, but also has a positive social impact by bridging the digital gap for older adults.