There, it will be joining forces with Kanematsu, one of the leading trading companies, in order to address the significant issue of loneliness among elderly individuals.

As the world continues to see an increase in humanoid robots and self-driving vehicles, Intuition Robotics has decided to focus on another significant but often overlooked issue – the isolation experienced by many seniors. Elliq is designed to provide emotional support and companionship for older adults, going beyond simple question answering.

Unlike traditional voice assistants, such as Siri, Elliq proactively engages with its users. It displays photos of grandchildren, reminds users to take medication, suggests exercises, and delivers humorous remarks. This device incorporates a screen and a moving “head”, creating the illusion of a natural conversation.

Japan is an ideal market for this innovative solution. One in three people in Japan are over the age of 65. The phenomenon of “senior death” (kōdikushi) is a social concern in Japan. Japanese authorities have invested in technologies to enhance the quality of life for elderly people without the need for institutional care.

It is noteworthy that Elliq does not aim to achieve a completely human appearance, as the developers deliberately avoided the “uncanny valley” effect. Instead, it is presented as a sleek device that is not intimidating to conservative users. At the same time, it uses advanced AI algorithms to carefully analyze the user’s emotional state and behavioral patterns.

Some critics question whether this technology could lead to increased isolation among older people. However, the creators argue that Elliq acts as a catalyst for social interaction, rather than a substitute, encouraging users to re-connect with family, invite guests, and even facilitate video communication.

The Japanese version of the robotic device will be customized to meet the specific needs of the local market, considering the distinctive features of Japanese cuisine, cultural events, and communication styles prevalent in Japanese society.

This project serves as an example of how technology can be used to address non-technological issues. Instead of replacing human interaction, it aims to provide assistance and companionship, demonstrating the potential of technology to improve and enhance human experiences.