Cindy
Photo courtesy of Joy for All companion pets
We yearn to love…and it grows with age
My heart leaps when I see the loneliness VANISH from the eyes of a Senior Living facility resident as they shower their love onto a visiting cat or dog. My heart then sinks as I watch the pet be led away…the loneliness-minimizing-magic retreating nearly as fast as it arrived.
What if we could help fight Senior loneliness by providing a low-maintenance “robo-pet” they can share their love with 24/7…versus for just a moment? Completely possible…and more practical every day!
According to medical studies on psychosocial effects of introducing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) companion into Senior’s lives, loneliness and sorrow can be reduced (cool read: The Psychosocial Effects of a Companion Robot).
Photo courtesy of Joy For All Companion Pets
Welcome to the new frontier: AI Social Companion Pets!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) pets or “social robots” are often marketed as “emancipatory technology” in that they provide freedom (either spiritually or physically) to the person enjoying the device.
No doubt, more will be written everyday about the benefits to Seniors of living with a robotic pet…just check out this great post from Assisting Hands.com that does an amazing job of “bringing it all to life!”
So…here are 3 top trending, care-free AI Companions!
Photo courtesy of New Jersey News.com
1. Joy for All – robotic Kitty Cats!
A quick bit about Joy for All’s “backstory.” Formed in 2015 as a division of Hasbro Toys, in three short years, the leadership team acquired the name and (in a completely friendly transaction) “spun-out” to form a new company: Ageless Innovation.
These adorable cats were Ageless Innovation’s starting point…they look, feel and sound like real cats (without vet bills, food or litter boxes…all they use are four 1.5 volt Alkaline batteries – which are included)!
With built-in sensors, these cuties have cat-like movements, respond to motion and touch (the faux fur is completely charming)..and (get this) have a trademarked “purring” mechanism (“VibraPurr”) that sounds and feels like real purring. Check out this excellent post from ThrillList that extols the virtues of VibraPurr!
The Kitty Cats are extremely easy to use (batteries are included and they have an easy “on/off” button hidden under a patch of Velcro!)…they sell for around $110 (now being often covered by Healthcare insurance)…and are available through Authorized Retailers. Check out either the Silver, Black or Orange Tabby on Amazon!
Photo courtesy of Joy For All
2. Joy for All – lifelike Pup Dogs!
Ok…the company, Ageless Innovation had me with the bandana…(it comes in either red or blue). This little pup thrives with built-in sensors that cause their little “heart” to beat with your touch (a pulse you can FEEL), makes lifelike sounds (inspired by real puppies) and even responds to your voice (with the company’s trademarked technology called “BarkBack”)!
Priced just under $130 (increasingly being covered by Healthcare Insurance), these little joys are SO easy to use. A simple on/off switch hidden under a Velcro patch on their belly brings them to life. No more maintenance required other than four 1.5 Volt Alkaline batteries – that are INCLUDED!
Joy for All sells their products through Authorized Retailers…Check out a Pup with either a red or blue bandana on Amazon!
Photo courtesy of PARO.com
3. Meet PARO! AIST’s baby harbor seal charmer!
Brought to us by AIST, a leading Japanese industrial pioneer, “PARO” the white harbor seal pup is a cuddly crowd pleaser!
This outrageously cute pup was designed specifically for use in extended care facilities where live animals visiting are not feasible…and AIST has done extensive research regarding the positive impact of PARO on Elder Care resident AND staff (check out their findings here). In 2002, PARO was named “the world’s most therapeutic robot” by The Guinness Book of World Records!
Quick note: PARO’s $4000 price tag reflects its sophistication.
PARO sophistication (and price) springs from the programming of a 32 bit CPU, RICS chip. With 5 types of sensors, PARO can perceive people and its environment. With the light sensor, PARO can recognize light and dark. This little seal feels each caress with a tactile sensor, or being held by the posture sensor. PARO can also recognize the direction of voice and words such as its name, greetings, and praise with its audio sensor.
With every human interaction, PARO responds as if it is alive, moving its head and legs, making sounds, and showing your preferred behavior. PARO also imitates the voice of a real baby harp seal.
Interested in learning how to destress YOUR life (while you are working to decrease stress for your loved ones)?
Check out my previous post on “5 Ways to Streamline your Way to Mindful Meditation!”…OR, understanding how BUSY our lives can be, consider my post on “6 Five Minute Self-Care Hacks!”
I am going to write more about Artificial Intelligence Companions to the rescue!
True, Artificial Intelligence and “robo-pets” will not cure all the ills of social isolation and loneliness…BUT the more I learn about the amazing benefits of adding these technological wonders to a loved one’s life the more my eyes (and heart) have been opened to the possibilities!
With love and kindest thoughts to you!
Cindy
