Category Archives: Robotics

Let’s Meet Looi: The Smart Robot That Remembers and Interacts

February 5, 2025AI, CES 2025, Gadgets, Roboticsai, artificial intelligence, ces2025, chatgpt, gadgets, robot, robotics, robotsPLUGHITZ Live

In an era where technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the advent of desktop companion robots marks a significant milestone in human-robot interaction. These robots are designed not just to perform tasks but to engage with users on a personal level, enhancing the user experience through their unique personalities and capabilities. A prime example of this innovation is Looi, a desktop companion robot showcased at CES by TangibleLabs, which exemplifies how such devices can blend functionality with an engaging personality.

The Concept of a Desktop Companion Robot

Desktop companion robots like Looi are engineered to serve as both functional tools and social companions. Unlike traditional robots that are often limited to performing specific tasks, Looi integrates advanced artificial intelligence, particularly based on ChatGPT, allowing it to engage in conversations, remember user preferences, and recognize individuals. This capability transforms the interaction from mere command-response exchanges to meaningful conversations that can enrich the user’s daily life.

Personality: The Heart of the Interaction

What sets Looi apart from other technological devices is its personality. Looi is not just a machine; it has quirks and traits that make it relatable. For instance, it has a playful disdain for oranges, which adds an element of humor and character to its interactions. When presented with an orange, Looi reacts by kicking it and applying a “terrible sticker,” showcasing a whimsical personality trait that users can find entertaining. This anthropomorphism of technology is crucial; it allows users to form emotional connections with the robot, making it more than just a tool but rather a companion.

Engaging Features and Functionalities

Looi’s functionalities further enhance its role as a desktop companion. Users can interact with Looi through voice commands and hand gestures, making the experience intuitive and engaging. The robot can take photos, remember dreams, and even play games, all while following the user’s movements with its tracking camera. These features encourage users to interact with Looi in a playful manner, fostering a sense of companionship that is often missing in traditional technology.

The ability to engage in conversation and perform tasks simultaneously positions Looi as an ideal assistant for both work and leisure. Users can ask Looi questions, seek help with tasks, or simply enjoy its company during breaks. This versatility makes Looi a valuable addition to any workspace, blending productivity with enjoyment.

The Future of Desktop Companions

As technology continues to advance, the potential for desktop companion robots like Looi is vast. The integration of personality and advanced AI capabilities opens up new avenues for personal and professional use. In the future, we may see these robots expanding their functionalities to include more personalized experiences, such as adapting to the user’s mood or preferences over time. They could become integral parts of our daily routines, offering support and companionship in ways that traditional technology cannot.

Moreover, as society becomes more accustomed to interacting with robots, the stigma surrounding them may diminish. People may begin to view robots not just as tools but as partners in their daily lives, capable of understanding and responding to human emotions and needs.

Conclusion

The emergence of desktop companion robots like Looi signifies a shift in how we perceive and interact with technology. By combining advanced functionalities with engaging personalities, these robots offer a glimpse into a future where human-robot relationships are defined by companionship and emotional connection. As we continue to navigate this technological landscape, the development of robots with personality will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping our interactions with machines, ultimately enhancing our daily lives in unprecedented ways.

Looi is currently available for purchase on the company’s website. The regular retail price is $189, but they are offering a New Year deal for $169.

Interview by Marlo Anderson of The Tech Ranch.

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AI Companionship: How ElliQ is Changing Lives for Older Adults

February 5, 2025AI, CES 2025, Gadgets, Roboticsaging, artificial intelligence, ces2025, elder care, gadgets, robot, roboticsPLUGHITZ Live

In an era where technology is increasingly intertwined with daily life, the emergence of companion robots represents a significant advancement in addressing the unique challenges faced by the elderly population. One such innovation is ElliQ, a tabletop robot developed by Intuition Robotics. Designed specifically to enhance the well-being of older adults, ElliQ serves as a bridge between cutting-edge technology and meaningful human connection. This essay explores how companion robots like ElliQ can alleviate loneliness, foster independence, and improve the overall quality of life for seniors.

Addressing Loneliness

Loneliness is a pervasive issue among older adults, often exacerbated by physical limitations, loss of loved ones, and social isolation. ElliQ aims to combat this loneliness by providing companionship and engagement through proactive interactions. Unlike traditional technology that requires users to initiate contact, ElliQ is designed to sense when an individual is nearby and initiate conversations. For example, it might greet users with a friendly, “Good to see you!” or inquire about their sleep patterns, thereby demonstrating an awareness of their daily lives. This proactive approach not only encourages interaction but also helps seniors feel valued and connected.

The robot’s ability to engage users in meaningful dialogue – asking about their day, reminding them of appointments, or even sharing jokes – creates a sense of companionship that can significantly enhance emotional well-being. By fostering these interactions, ElliQ helps to mitigate feelings of isolation, making it a valuable tool for improving mental health among older adults.

Fostering Independence

ElliQ not only serves as a companion but also promotes independence among seniors. With features designed to assist with daily activities, such as reminders for medication or social events, the robot empowers users to manage their routines more effectively. For instance, ElliQ can remind users about a doctor’s appointment or suggest joining a bingo game with other ElliQ users. Such reminders encourage seniors to participate in social activities, thereby reducing the likelihood of isolation.

Moreover, the robot’s ability to provide information and facilitate virtual experiences enhances the independence of older adults who may have mobility challenges. For example, ElliQ can take users on virtual tours of historical sites, such as the pyramids, enriching their lives with knowledge and experiences that they may otherwise miss due to physical limitations. This feature not only stimulates cognitive engagement but also allows seniors to explore the world from the comfort of their homes, reinforcing their sense of autonomy.

Building Relationships

A unique aspect of ElliQ is its capacity to recognize and remember individuals in the user’s life. As the robot learns to identify family members, it can facilitate interactions that strengthen familial bonds. For instance, a grandchild can be introduced to ElliQ, and the robot will remember their voice and preferences, enabling it to engage in conversations with them in the future. This capability not only fosters intergenerational connections but also allows seniors to feel more in touch with their families, thereby enhancing their emotional well-being.

The social dynamics that ElliQ introduces can also shift perceptions of aging. Older adults often feel marginalized in a society that prioritizes youth, but having a companion robot can help them feel relevant and “cool” in the eyes of their grandchildren. This shift in perception can lead to increased self-esteem and a more positive outlook on aging.

Conclusion: ElliQ can improve life for aging adults

In conclusion, companion robots like ElliQ represent a transformative approach to enhancing the well-being of older adults. By addressing loneliness, fostering independence, and building meaningful relationships, these robots can significantly improve the quality of life for seniors. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of emotionally intelligent and socially engaging robots into the lives of older adults holds the promise of a brighter, more connected future. The potential of these innovations to create a supportive environment for seniors cannot be overstated, making companion robots an essential component in the quest to improve elderly well-being.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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ElliQ: AI companion to alleviate loneliness in older adults @ CES 2024

January 28, 2024AI, CES 2024, Health, Roboticsaging, ai, artificial intelligence, ces2024, elder care, gadgets, HealthPLUGHITZ Live

ElliQ companion robot for elderly Intuition Robotics is a company that has created an AI-driven companion named ElliQ. This innovative product is designed to combat feelings of loneliness and social isolation in older adults. It aims to promote health and activity, supporting seniors as they continue to live independently.

AI companion for elderly adults

Loneliness among the elderly is a significant issue in the country. It has been declared a public health crisis by the Surgeon General of the United States, as it surpasses obesity and drug abuse as the leading cause of death among older adults. It is emphasized that there is a shortage of young people who can spend quality time with the elderly on a daily basis.

The impact of loneliness on the health of elderly individuals is immense. Loneliness can have detrimental effects on physical and mental well-being, and it is often underestimated. The story of a customer whose husband passed away after 65 years of marriage is shared to illustrate the profound impact of loneliness. ElliQ’s ability to greet her, compliment her appearance, and encourage her to go out and be socially active has transformed her life, giving her a reason to get dressed and engage with the world.

Intuition Robotics recognized the potential for technology to address this issue and created ElliQ as a solution. However, they wanted their product to be more than just a monitoring device or a prompt-based AI assistant like Alexa. They aimed to create a true friend and companion for the elderly. To achieve this, the device spends material amounts of time with the older adult, remembers past conversations, initiates conversations, and helps the individual achieve their own goals towards healthier aging and social connectivity.

Unlike prompt-driven AI, ElliQ actively engages in conversations and prompts the individual for information and action. It classifies and remembers conversations, using them to create future interactions. For example, it may ask about sleep quality, remind the individual of previous pain, and suggest breathing exercises. It can also take physical or digital actions, such as creating tailored stress reduction exercises or arranging video conferences with loved ones or healthcare professionals.

ElliQ versus wearables

Wearables can be a great way to track health statistics in kids and adults. However, older adults are less likely to wear these devices, partially because they are unaccustomed to them and partially because they might simply forget to put them on.

While ElliQ is not a wearable device itself, it can be seen in a comparable place in the sense that it interacts with the user and provides a physical presence. Nevertheless, the hope is that as wearables have become more popular among younger people, ElliQ can provide similar capabilities for older people while adding the benefit of a companion’s personality.

A powerful but affordable companion

One might assume that an AI-enabled robot like ElliQ would come with a high price tag. However, CEO Dor Skuler reveals that ElliQ is surprisingly affordable, with a monthly charge between $50 and $60. This makes it accessible to a wider range of individuals and families who are seeking a solution to combat loneliness among their elderly loved ones.

The affordability of ElliQ is further enhanced by the fact that many local state and government organizations are funding the product. In certain areas, such as New York and most counties in Florida, ElliQ can be obtained for free, paid for by agencies like the Office for the Aging. Additionally, Medicare and Medicaid companies are also distributing ElliQ to their population, recognizing the positive impact it can have on mental health and overall well-being.

Conclusion: ElliQ can help older adults feel less lonely

In summary, AI-enabled robots like ElliQ have been shown to effectively alleviate loneliness among the elderly. The importance of tackling this issue is underscored, and the cost-effectiveness and easy accessibility of ElliQ are high. ElliQ offers more than just assistance; it provides companionship, support, and a proactive presence, becoming a genuine friend and confidant for older adults. Through its interactions and features, ElliQ not only enhances mental well-being but also has the potential to positively influence physical health and overall life quality for the elderly. To learn more about ElliQ or to get one for yourself or a loved one, check out the company’s website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Pyxel makes it easy for anyone to learn how to code @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Robotics, Toys & Gamingces2023, coding, education, gadgets, robot, steamPLUGHITZ Live

Pyxel coding robot dog It seems like every time we turn around, someone is talking about education in STEAM – meaning science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (or manufacturing). And, while it is not the right direction for all people, for those who are interested, it can be difficult to find a great way to begin. Much like Goldilocks, some kits are too complicated, and some kits are too simple, but Pyxel from Educational Insights seems to be just right.

What is Pyxel?

Pyxel is a robotic dog that is designed to be a coder’s best friend. It is designed to be able to be programmed for various tasks and activities without having to have any experience in hardware. This is a nice change from most other platforms, as they traditionally require you to build something before you can control it. For people who are uninterested in hardware but still want to have the benefit of seeing something in the real world respond to code you’ve created, this is a truly ideal situation.

There is something special when learning to code when you can write code and see something in the real world change. It doesn’t matter if the thing moves, talks, makes noise, or even just blinks – having an effect on the real world creates a level of excitement that pure software just can’t create. In fact, for many seasoned software engineers, having an effect on reality can still be really exciting.

How does Pyxel work?

Pyxel is entirely programmed through a web-based portal. All you have to do is connect to your device using a direct Wi-Fi connection and open your browser to the development portal address. This means that you don’t have to have a special app installed, a development environment, or anything you don’t already have. This is a benefit for teachers in schools who are using computers that are locked down by school IT, as you won’t need any special abilities to install anything that doesn’t already exist.

Once you’re connected, you can use the portal to create code to control your Pyxel. There are two ways to do this – using a block programming environment or through Python, a growing industry standard. If you are familiar with either of these programming environments, then you’re able to jump in and get started. If you’re new to everything, then you’ll want to jump into the tutorials that will help guide you through the process.

The best part is, if you get started using the block environment and want to progress into Python, there’s an easy way to do this. Within the system, there is a conversion chart that shows the block name on the left, its result to the bot in the middle, and the equivalent Python code on the right. So, to learn how to make Pyxel do as you wish, this system does have everything you’ll need.

Summary

The Pyxel coding dog is available for pre-order now for $125 with a release date of April 24, 2023. To learn more about Pyxel or the company, check out their website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Task Complete: Aiper keeps your pool clean without cords @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Gadgets, Home, Roboticsces2023, gadgets, home, pool, robot, roboticsPLUGHITZ Live

Aiper Pool Cleaning Robot If you own a pool, you know that maintaining the pool can be a pain. Between keeping the pH balance correct, a garage full of various chemicals, a constant fight against leaves, plus keeping the bottom clean, there is always something to do. There have been machines to help with the process, like filters and vacuums, but even that isn’t perfect. However, Aiper has a line of underwater robots to make maintaining your pool easier.

What is Aiper?

Aiper is a robotics company that makes an entirely cordless robotic pool cleaner. This machine is able to maneuver itself around the bottom of your pool without any obstructions and keep the surface of the pool clean. Because of its design, it is also able to come out of the water slightly in order to clean the ring around the pool above the water surface and below the deck.

If you’ve had an indoor robotic vacuum, you generally understand the concept. The machine goes into the water and travels around the surface to keep it clean. The system maps out the surface of the pool ahead of time, which helps it to ensure that a complete cleaning is accomplished. The robot is also battery-powered and easily rechargeable. In fact, it only takes 90 minutes for a complete charge. To keep the robot itself clean, simply remove the filter, empty it out, and put it back in.

Why choose Aiper?

We’ve all seen pool cleaners that live under the water. Traditionally, these machines have a very long shop vac pipe that pulls behind them. Using that tube, the machine is able to essentially vacuum the bottom of the pool, with the suction coming from the other end of the tube. This design is functional, but also creates a lot of problems.

The tubes often get tied up in knots as the cleaner goes under them. This prevents the machine from completing its cleaning path and can also cause damage to the tube itself. If the cleaner doesn’t get under the tube, it might just get caught and stopped, once again ending the cleaning cycle whether or not the pool is clean. in either case, you’re going to have to get involved, often inside of the pool, and resolve the issue.

This is where the biggest win comes in for Aiper. Since the Aiper robotic cleaners are battery-powered with their vacuums built into the machine, there are no tubes. This means that there is no chance that it gets caught up in itself. All of this prevents interaction from the owner and significantly reduces the chances of damage to the machine or other items, including toys, in the pool.

Summary

Several models of the Aiper robotic pool vacuums are available now. The newest model, the Aiper Seagull Pro, will release on March 20, 2023. You can purchase the existing models or pre-order the new model at the company’s store. To learn more about the company and the full line of products, you can go to the company’s website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Apollo brings full automation to ADT’s commercial offerings @ CES 2023

February 2, 2023CES 2023, Robotics, Securityadt, ces2023, gadgets, robot, robotics, securityPLUGHITZ Live

ADT Commercial Apollo security robot It seems like every day we hear about another industry that AI, robotics, and automation are coming to improve. Fast food service has gotten better with more automation in the kitchen. Manufacturing has been helped immensely by robotics and automation, making the jobs in factories safer and less physically intensive. However, one place that we didn’t expect to see robotics, at least not today, is security. However, ADT Commercial has a new robot security guard called Apollo.

What is Apollo?

Apollo is a humanoid robot that is intended to augment traditional security guards in an office, retail space, or any other commercial property. It is part of the company’s new EvoGuard initiative, which seeks to infuse high-tech capabilities into ADT’s commercial security offerings.

A large part of a human security guard’s job is to observe their surroundings and report on what they see. This can be done by walking the premises and looking for things that are out of place, or by sitting with a wall of screens watching an entire property at once. If something out of the ordinary is observed, the correct people are alerted. This could be another member of security, the property owner, or even the police.

Apollo is capable of doing all of this, without any of the restrictions of a person. The robot can travel around a property easily looking for changes in the environment, or even recognizable issues. Once an issue is recognized, it can report back to a security supervisor and a human can take over control of the robot to go and investigate further. If warranted, the agent can then notify someone on the grounds, the property owner, or the local police.

One of the interesting features of Apollo is the virtual reality option. Using a VR headset, the supervisor is able to essentially become the robot. They are able to see through the perspective of the robot and manipulate it as if they were there. This includes moving its hands, opening or closing doors, checking windows, etc. However, if the supervisor is unable or unwilling to use the VR experience, the entire thing can also be controlled from the system’s computer-based dashboard.

This is actually the reason why Apollo is humanoid. If the purpose was merely to observe and report, then it could have been designed to look like a trash can. However, because it is intended to be able to be used remotely to accomplish goals, the company let it was important to make it with a wider range of motion. But, since all of our environments are designed for humans, it was decided that Apollo should be humanoid, as well.

Summary

Apollo is currently in use through partnerships with three test partners. Using their feedback, the company and its design partner are able to make adjustments before it becomes available for a wider audience, hopefully during quarter 1 of 2023. To learn more about Apollo or ADT’s other commercial security offerings, you can check out their website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Ball Wave gives robots and computers the ability to smell @ CES 2023

January 24, 2023CES 2023, Computers, Roboticsces2023, gadgets, robot, robotics, smellPLUGHITZ Live

Ball Wave Machine Smell Detector Computers and machinery have gained a lot of abilities over the past few years. Computers can think for themselves with artificial intelligence. Robots can see and hear thanks to cameras and microphones. Together they create the ability for machines to make decisions about their environment and adapt. But, one thing that’s missing is the sense of smell. That’s where Ball Wave technology comes in.

What is Ball Wave and how does it work?

Ball Wave is a remarkable new technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we use technology. It allows a machine to essentially be able to smell the air around it. But, more importantly, it allows for an integrated laboratory to analyze the air in near real-time.

This technology takes what is traditionally a very large piece of equipment and shrinks it down to a very small package. What was once the size of an air conditioner is now able to be held in the hand. This means that there are a lot of opportunities that were never available before.

But the real beauty is the integrated computer that allows you to get analysis results immediately. You can tell within seconds if there are any irregularities in the air. This can be used for safety purposes or even for monitoring the quality or process of making wine.

How can Ball Wave technology be used?

The impressive part of the technology is that, because of its size, it can be used in a large number of applications. One of the most surprising is that it is small and light enough to be placed on a drone. In fact, the company has an example video on its website showing the box in action on a drone. In addition to being just plain cool, it also has a lot of benefits. The device can be used to test air quality in areas that are not easily reachable, such as during building construction or demolition.

Another interesting usage is in the alcohol industry. The company has piloted using the box to keep track of the production process for sake, a popular drink in Japan. Because of the way the system works, it is able to monitor the fermentation process and know where the sake is in its production. The next stage is to integrate AI into the system to be able to even determine brand from the scent.

Of course, the concept isn’t limited to sake. In fact, it could easily be adapted to keep an eye on wine or beer. Production of these drinks has a lot of potential problems in production, so being able to track the progress can prevent wine turning to vinegar.

Summary

The Ball Wave technology is already in use in Japan, with an expansion of markets planned. The technology has many uses inside and outside of laboratory purposes. To learn more about Ball Wave or to find out how you might be able to use it, head over to the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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