Imagine waking up every morning with no one to share breakfast with, going for hours without a word with another human being, and going to bed in absolute silence. For millions of older people, this is their everyday life. We find ourselves in a rapidly aging society. Loneliness has become a silent epidemic. But what if a robot could change that?
An alarming demographic reality
The world is aging at an unprecedented rate. In 2020, the number of people over the age of 60 surpassed the number of children under 5. It is estimated that by 2050, almost one in four people on the planet will be over the age of 60. At the same time, the percentage of single-person households continues to grow: in 2018, they already accounted for 28% worldwide, and are projected to reach 35% in a few decades.
This scenario entails a problem of enormous dimensions: chronic loneliness. In developed countries, more than one third of older adults live alone. And loneliness is not just an emotional issue: it increases the risk of heart disease, depression, cognitive decline and premature death. Health systems and human caregivers alone cannot meet all the needs.
This is where robotics clearly comes in.
NEO: the assistant of the future, a reality.
1X Technologies recently introduced NEO, a humanoid robot that not only performs household tasks, but can also be your companion. Designed with a very pleasant aesthetic, with soft panels and a knitted sweater, NEO is intended to coexist safely and friendly with elderly people.
Unlike projects still in development such as Tesla’s Optimus, NEO is already available to the public at a monthly price similar to that of a compact car. What can it do? From putting on the washing machine, sweeping, tidying the house or pouring a glass of wine, to picking up groceries and setting the table. But beyond its practical utility, what makes it really special is its ability to interact with humans.
NEO can talk, tell jokes, remember anecdotes and even monitor the user’s health, including reminding them to take their medication or alerting emergencies if it detects a fall. It’s not just a robot. It is, potentially, a partner.
Do we really need robots as companions?
Humanoid robots do not seek to replace human caregivers, but to complement them. The goal is to help the elderly live with dignity and autonomy in their homes. But how do they actually do it?
Practical assistance: they canperform household chores, which relieves the physical burden.
Health support: they remind you about medication, medical appointments and monitor warning signs. In this aspect they can be huge allies.
Emotional companionship: With their natural language understanding capabilities, they offer conversation and constant presence. In the environment we are going to, frankly, this aspect can be very relevant.
Family connection: They are capable of making video calls and can send updates to family members.
Beyond NEO: a global revolution
NEO is not the only project. All over the world, humanoid robots are being developed for the same purpose. Some examples are:
Yogi, from Cartwheel Robotics: a humanoid prototype designed to generate trust and warmth in its interaction.
Pepper, by SoftBank Robotics: present in hundreds of Japanese residences, it entertains the elderly with games and simple conversations.
PARO, the therapeutic robot seal: used in Denmark and Japan to reduce anxiety and depression in geriatric patients.
Even governments like Japan’s are betting big on this technology, funding assistive robots to alleviate the shortage of human caregivers.
Challenges to overcome
Although enormously promising, this revolution is not without its obstacles:
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Gap between promise and reality: Although 1X presents us with a robot that we can buy or rent, it is not yet available. On the other hand, many of the company’s videos are mostly operated by humans, so the value proposition is still far from what they are “selling” us.
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The high cost: still inaccessible to many families. Currently, humanoid robots are still an elite technology: models such as 1X’s NEO cost around $20,000, and others, more advanced, can easily exceed $100,000 at the prototype stage. However, a clear trend towards affordability is beginning to emerge: subscription modalities, such as the one offered by NEO (499 euros per month), lower the entry barrier, and several manufacturers are aiming at future prices comparable to those of a compact car. If production manages to scale, the cost of a useful robot at home could stabilize between $20,000 and $50,000, bringing these assistants of the future ever closer to the homes of today.
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Learning curve: some seniors may be intimidated by technology. If they already have trouble handling a smartphone, imagine a robot?
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Reliability and security: it is crucial to avoid failures that could put users at risk. From the hacking of the robot to the security of the information generated by the device and the use that could be made of such sensitive information in a domestic environment, in relation to habits, absences from home and many other risks.
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Emotional acceptance: not everyone is comfortable with receiving care from a machine, even if it has quasi-human capabilities in appearance, understanding and communication and interaction.
In addition, there are ethical debates: is it healthy to develop emotional bonds with a robot? Can it really supplant human connection?
The key is to see them as support tools, not substitutes. A robot won’t replace a cuddle, but it can maintain routine, monitor safety and provide companionship when no one else can be there.
The future is... now
With every advance in artificial intelligence and increasingly empathetic design, companion robots will become closer, more useful and more accessible. Before long, we could see them integrated into millions of homes, greeting you every morning, making you breakfast and ensuring that no one ages completely alone.
Because in the end, the real value of this technology is not in its gears, but in its purpose: to accompany when it is most needed.
And in your case, what do you think of robotic companionship for the elderly?Would you like to have a robot at home to help you and keep you company?
Leave me your comments; I would love to read you and more on such a controversial topic.
Have a good week!
SOURCES OF INTEREST:
The rise of robotic companions to address social isolation – Center for Healthy Aging
Robots Might Be the Key to Independent Senior Living – IEEE Transmitter
Ageing Japan: Robots’ role in future of elder care | The Wider Image | Reuters
