Social and companion robots need engaging content to help people “age in place.” Digital health and wellness company Age Bold Inc. and Intuition Robotics Ltd. yesterday announced a strategic partnership to bring balance training and fitness classes to older adults through Intuition Robotics' ElliQ platform.
“ElliQ has impressive capabilities and the potential to create better at-home aging experiences through engaging and clinically meaningful content,” said Amanda Reese, CEO of Bold. “We're excited to team up with a partner who shares our mission to improve physical fitness and emotional wellness, and we look forward to making Bold's guided classes accessible via ElliQ devices.”
Launched in 2020, Bold said its science-based exercises are tailored to meet the needs of older adults, whether they are active athletes or those with mobility limitations. The San Mateo, Calif.-based company added that its virtual platform provides clinical balance and joint health programs for an aging population that often lacks condition-appropriate exercise options.
Bold said it is covered by Medicare Advantage health plans, and the Bold Fall Prevention Program has demonstrated a 46% reduction in falls and related hospitalizations. The company added that its hardware integration with ElliQ is its first after recently expanding into senior living.
Intuition Robotics designs proactive companion
Founded in 2016, Intuition Robotics said it has combined psychology, behavioral sciences, and advanced cognitive AI capabilities in ElliQ. The Tel Aviv, Israel-based company said it has designed the robot to empower older adults to have active and connected lives at home, while alleviating the effects of loneliness and social isolation.
Intuition Robotics said ElliQ has demonstrated its value as a proactive care companion that serves as a sidekick for healthier, happier aging. The system has spent more than 100,000 days in the homes of older adults, it said.
Last month, Intuition Robotics announced that it would provide hundreds of devices to the New York State Office for the Aging to support social determinants of health.
Investors in the company, which has offices in San Francisco, Atlanta, and Athens, Greece, include Toyota Ventures, Samsung NEXT, iRobot, and international venture capital firms.
ElliQ and Bold offer connection
The number of U.S. adults age 65 and older will more than double over the next 40 years, reaching 80 million in 2040, according to the Urban Institute. More than one in three people aged 65 and up falls each year, said the National Institute on Aging. The medical costs for falls total over $50 billion in 2015.
“Despite scientifically proven prevention programs, falls and fall injuries have been an expensive and difficult burden for the U.S. healthcare system for decades,” said Dr. Michael Cantor, chief medical officer of Intuition Robotics. “Providing Bold classes to ElliQ users can keep them healthy and out of the hospital by investing in functional fitness.”
“The benefits of exercising extend past improved physical health and prevention of diseases,” explained Rees. “Even a small amount of exercise is shown to have immediate health benefits, such as improved sleep and reduced anxiety. For many older adults who are experiencing isolation or loneliness, ElliQ and Bold strive to provide a sense of connection and companionship so members can age better.”
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