Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in AARP’s Digital First Newsletter, an internal, enterprise-wide monthly periodical highlighting updates, stories, and resources on AARP’s digital transformation journey.
Boston Dynamics "Atlas"
Ever tried striking up a conversation with your refrigerator? Or perhaps you've shared a few words with your bathroom mirror? (No judgment — we've been there.) Won’t be long before these static household artifacts will be imbued with intelligence, taking queries and offering advice.
Now, picture this: a friendly figure standing on two legs or rolling on four wheels, patiently waiting for your next request—or even taking the initiative:
“Up up! Get off that couch and let me help you with your exercises. And you haven't had enough water today. Hydration is key!"
<Hands you a bottle of water>
Surprised? The future is catching up faster than you think. Soon, we'll find responsive, natural-language artificial intelligence (AI) everywhere—embodied in humanoid robots, embedded in everyday objects and subtly integrated into the walls around us.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves as we're not quite there yet. (Dreams of Rosie or Sunny will have to wait a bit longer.)
Still, there’s so much interesting activity on a variety of fronts happening with embodied (and standalone) AI among companies in the AgeTech Collaborative™.
Here’s a taste of what’s inside…
Caregiving
Boston Dynamics is a technology company at the forefront of the robotics and automation revolution. You’ve probably seen videos of “Spot,” their dog-like robot that’s helping companies monitor and operate their sites, or Atlas, the biped machine designed for real-world applications, including — some day — as a caregiver. The company joined the AgeTech Collaborative to tap into our research and expertise on social isolation and is interested in the potential of robotic companions to combat loneliness.
Labrador makes personal robots empowering people to live more independently by providing practical, physical assistance with everyday activities at home. The robots support both individuals and their caregivers, and they provide a new platform for transforming home health. The company’s founders are veterans in the robotics market, shipping millions of robots into homes over the last two decades — Heard of iRobot? That’s from them.
Mobility
Camino Mobility has developed the world’s first truly “smart walker” to help the millions of people who struggle with walking — or who fear falling — remain mobile, active and more self-reliant. Oh, and it’s slick-looking, foldable and packed with tech. They call it Camino Assist.
Essentially, Camino has completely reimagined the old-school walker and brought something new to life as a power-assisted intelligent data platform to help people age well.
What does all that mean? Camino Assist employs electric motors and sensorsto make it easier to walk with intelligent auto-boost and auto-braking. The company’s embedded computer vision and AI observe activity and gait to enable remote monitoring, proactive interventions and data-informed care.
Biomotum is building intelligent wearable devices often referred to as “exoskeletons” to address the rapidly increasing number of people with poor health due to difficulty walking. The products combine innovative assistive technology and real-time biofeedback to deliver life-changing rehabilitation at home. Biomotum’s first product, the SPARK AFO, is an adjustable ankle brace paired with a mobile app for on-demand tuning. But that’s just the start of a journey toward empowering people and fueling their independence.
Social Companionship
Intuition Robotics says they’re on a mission to empower older adults to live happier, healthier and more independent lives. The company’s award-winning product, called ElliQ®, a conversant “AI sidekick,” is a proactive care companion that keeps users engaged and informed while alleviating the effects of loneliness and social isolation. The fixed-position “bot,” paired with a screen, shares some qualities with a human friend, initiating conversation, suggesting activities, offering reminders and answering questions.
Ageless Innovation brings life to cats, dogs and even birds with technology rather than a divine spark, all with the goal of providing responsive companionship through its Joy for All line. The award-winning set of realistic mechanical pets offers interactive comfort and companionship for older adults. Owners can pet realistic fur, hear authentic purring, barking and other subtle movements. This is achieved via hidden sensors that respond to touch and sound, offering a soothing and engaging experience … and all without the need for walks or kitty litter.
To learn more about our ecosystem and see a directory of AgeTech Collaborative startup participants, visit us at www.agetechcollaborative.org.
#HotTopics