In the early 1990s, researchers at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology began developing the robot that would become Paro. More than three decades later, the fawn-eyed baby seal is still best known as a therapy robot for the elderly. In 2011, the robot reached the height of pop-culture fame when it made an unofficial cameo appearance on “The Simpsons.”
Japan has dominated the elderly robotics market for decades, due to its aggressive adoption of new technologies and its aging population. 29% of the population is over 65 years old. The increase in life expectancy is, of course, an overall positive, but it may also lead to a breakdown in support systems. For decades, robots have long been considered as a way to fill the labor shortage in the care market and to alleviate the loneliness of the elderly.
The US is aging less dramatically, but the population is also aging: Currently, there are 62 million Americans over the age of 65, making up 18% of the total population. By 2054, that number is expected to grow to 84 million, or 23% of the total population, according to the Pew Research Center.
The US, like Japan, has an aging population, but it hasn't embraced similar technology as enthusiastically. The New York State Office on Aging (NYSOFA) has been trying to turn that around for several years. Since 2018, the agency has distributed more than 31,500 robotic pets to New York seniors. Acting Commissioner Greg Olsen says the program was inspired by his then-8-year-old daughter, who bought one on Amazon.
“When I got home and saw it, I said, 'That would be amazing to try,'” he told TechCrunch on a Zoom call. Olsen joined the call from his office, standing in front of a row of large metal drawers with dozens of boxes of robotic pets sitting on shelves, each with three different options: a retriever-like dog, a cat, and a red and blue bird.
All three models are made by Ageless Innovations, a company founded in 2015 as a Hasbro spinoff that specializes in making robotic pets for seniors through its Joy for All brand. The cat debuted later that year, and the dog came out in 2016. Both models share DNA with similar models designed by Hasbro-owned FurReal Friends.
Image credit: Ageless Innovations/Joy for All
The bird is the latest addition to the series. Formally named the Walker Squawker, the tiny robot attaches to a walking aid. Like dogs and cats, the tiny squawker responds to light and touch, and will start meowing if it senses a lack of movement, encouraging its owner to use the aid. But Olsen notes that the retriever is the most popular of the bunch, accounting for about 60 percent of all requests.
According to Olsen, the same year NYSOFA began piloting these robots with New York seniors, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said loneliness is “associated with a reduction in life expectancy equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than the reduction in life expectancy caused by obesity.” In addition to physical problems, isolation can accelerate cognitive decline in older adults. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly exacerbated this problem. Recently, Murthy declared loneliness an epidemic in its own right.
Research has demonstrated that having a pet is an effective way to combat loneliness among older adults. One study found that “in a model that accounted for age, living situation (single or not), well-being, and seasonal residence, pet owners were 36% less likely to report loneliness than non-pet owners.”
But for a variety of reasons, having a pet isn't always a realistic option for seniors. That's where robots come in. Given the recent origins of the phenomenon, research into robotic pets is significantly limited. But studies point to potential benefits, especially for those whose health limits their ability to interact with humans and animals.
“Pets improved depression and loneliness without the risks associated with drug interventions,” noted a study on robotic pets in 2022. “Participants' interactions with their pets provided meaningful activities and positive experiences, especially when COVID-19 restrictions were at their worst, when participants were in isolation and had limited family visitation.”
The study adds that human interaction remains important: “More importantly, conversations between participants, family members and professional caregivers enhanced the therapeutic environment.”
Image credit: Intuition Robotics
While robotic pets show promise in fighting loneliness, they're not a cure in themselves. Olsen notes that the robot pet program is one of 21 partnerships NYSOFA has with technology companies, including one with Intuition Robotics, which makes ElliQ. The agency has distributed nearly 900 of the social robots, which help users stay in touch with and keep an eye on their loved ones. NYSOFA also provides other services for seniors, such as transportation and phone connections.
Olsen said the six-year-old robot pet program has been one of the organization's most effective tools. He cited numerous stories of clients who became attached to their pets, including one woman who told NYSOFA, “I need to get this cat off my dead hands.” Another client asked to be buried with his robot, Olsen said. Mourners at his funeral were initially confused when they heard muffled cries coming from inside the casket.