Can a robot be a friend?

Joyce Loazia lives by herself. She has an ElliQ robot. It glows on the table beside her. (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)
Ms. Loazia listens to her ElliQ robot talk. (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)
Ms. Loazia walks outside her apartment. Would it be hard to live alone? (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)
Deanna Dezern is 83. She tells her ElliQ to talk to visitors. (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)
Ms. Dezern says her robot speaks words of comfort when she is sad. (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)

THIS JUST IN

You have {{ remainingArticles }} free {{ counterWords }} remaining.

The bad news: You've hit your limit of free articles.
The good news: You can receive full access below.
God's Big WORLD | Ages 3-6 | $35.88 per year

Already a member? Sign in.

It looks like a small lamp. It can ask about your day. Meet ElliQ. It is a robot.

Many old people do not have friends or family near. They say ElliQ helps them.

Pray that God would show us how to serve older people well. All people need love and time with others.

Read More:
Dor Skuler is the head of Intuition Robotics in Israel. His grandfather’s wife died. Mr. Skuler looked for a helper for him. It was hard to find someone. Mr. Skuler thought a robot might work. ElliQ is the only AI device made to help lonely older people. ElliQ can play games and music. It can remind you to drink water. God made us for real community. How can we best serve the lonely?

“Now you are the body of Christ. And each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV)