Joyce Loaiza lives alone in a community for older people in the American state of Florida. When she is home, the retired office worker often talks with a friendly female voice that asks about her day.
A few kilometers away, the same voice helps 83-year-old Deanna Dezern. In New York state, it plays games and music for 92-year-old Marie Broadbent. And in Washington state, it helps 83-year-old Jan Worrell make new friends.
These women are some of the first in the United States to receive the robot ElliQ made by Intuition Robotics. The company says it is the only device using artificial intelligence (AI) to help older Americans from loneliness.
The device looks like a small table light and it has an eyeless, mouthless head that lights up and turns. It remembers each user’s interests and their talks, helping create a special experience with new discussions. They can be as deep as the meaning of life or as light as a small joke.
ElliQ also plays music and provides creative or spiritual sayings. On a video screen that comes with it, it will show different cities and places of interest. The device leads exercises, asks about the owner’s health, and gives reminders to take medicines and drink water. It can also support video calls and contact family, friends, or doctors in an emergency.
Intuition Robotics says none of the private conversations are heard by the company, with the information only staying on each owner's device.
A robot could fill the space of a friend by adapting to each person and their interests. The average user communicates with ElliQ more than 30 times a day and more than 90 percent report lower levels of loneliness.
The robots are mostly sent out by government departments. But they can also be bought individually for $600 a year plus $250 to set it up.
【小题1】What do Joyce Loaiza and Jan Worrell have in common?| A．They interact with robots. | B．They have many good friends. |
| C．They love advanced devices. | D．They are in bad health. |
| A．They are very inspiring. | B．They have background music. |
| C．They aim to solve users’ problems. | D．They are both serious and humorous. |
| A．To avoid computer viruses. | B．To reduce the costs of production. |
| C．To protect personal privacy. | D．To make communication simple. |
| A．Artificial Intelligence Robots Enter Home |
| B．Talking Robots Help Seniors Fight Loneliness |
| C．Loneliness Is a Hug e Challenge for Old People |
| D．Retired People Receive Attention of Government |
