Meet ElliQ: The Robot Companion Changing Caregiving for Seniors with Dor Skuler - Episode 137
Is it possible to have a roommate that reminds you to take your meds, plays games with you to keep your brain sharp, and never leaves dirty dishes in the sink?
In this episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, host Diane Carbo sits down with Dor Skuler, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Intuition Robotics. Together, they explore a groundbreaking solution to the global loneliness epidemic among seniors: ElliQ.
If you are a caregiver feeling the weight of the "sandwich generation"—caring for parents while raising kids and working—this episode offers a glimpse into a future where technology provides not just logistics, but genuine companionship.
What is ElliQ? Not Your Average Robot 💡
Unlike the "geriatric and depressing" devices often marketed to seniors with giant buttons, ElliQ is designed to be beautiful, intuitive, and fun. Dor explains that ElliQ is an AI-powered companion that looks like a lamp, "moves in" with the older adult, and acts like a friendly roommate.
What makes her different?
- She is Proactive: Unlike Siri or Alexa, you don’t have to remember keywords. ElliQ initiates the conversation, greeting you good morning or asking how you slept.
- She has "Body" Language: She leans in when interested, bows when apologizing, and even dances when happy, creating an emotional connection.
- She is a Motivator: She negotiates goals with the senior—from hydration to cognitive games—acting as a cheerleader rather than a nag.
"The truth is, older adults are us just with a few years later... we wanted to design a sidekick that will be highly aligned... and be their cheerleader." — Dor Skuler
🕊️ Peace of Mind for the Overwhelmed Caregiver
We know burnout is real. ElliQ isn’t just for the senior; it’s a tool to reduce caregiver stress. The device comes with a free app that allows families to video call, send photos, and set reminders.
However, the most critical feature is Trust. Dor emphasizes that ElliQ is not a spy. While she tracks health data like pain levels or sleep patterns, she asks the senior for permission before sharing that data with the family. This autonomy helps seniors maintain their independence and dignity while keeping families informed when it matters most.
📝 Episode Highlights: What You'll Learn
Here is what we cover in this fascinating conversation:
- Design Philosophy: Why most technology for seniors fails and how ElliQ was designed differently.
- Day-to-Day Life: How ElliQ works, from saying "Good Morning" to negotiating exercise goals.
- The Memoir Feature: How ElliQ interviews seniors (e.g., asking about Woodstock!) to create video legacies for their grandkids.
- AAA Integration: How the device connects seniors to local resources like Meals on Wheels.
- Emergency Communication: How a senior can use voice commands to call family after a fall.
- Community Bingo: The surprisingly cutthroat global bingo games seniors play via ElliQ!
- The Future: Using AI to track "Independent Activities of Daily Living" (IADL) to proactively spot decline.
🎁 Special Offer for Listeners
Dor Skuler has generously offered a discount for the Caregiver Relief community. If you think ElliQ might be the right companion for your loved one, you can try it risk-free.
- Website: ElliQ.com
- Coupon Code: Enter
IknowDor(no spaces) for a special discount.
Have you tried technology to help with caregiving? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with a fellow caregiver who needs a little hope today. ❤️
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming — but you're not alone. If you have questions, big or small, our expert team is here to help.
👉 Click here to Ask the Expert
Our Resource section can help you find the information and tools that you need. We have courses, videos, checklists, guidebooks, cheat sheets, how-to guides and more.
You can get started by clicking on the link below. We know that taking care of a loved one is hard work, but with our help you can get the support that you need.
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