This paper details the development and implementation of ElliQ, an AI-powered social robot designed to combat loneliness and improve the well-being of older adults. ElliQ proactively engages users through conversation, music, games, and health reminders, aiming to foster connection and independence. Deployed across 15 programs in the US and Canada, initial real-world data suggests high engagement and potential for reducing loneliness and improving quality of life, with some reports showing significant reductions in loneliness among users. Challenges identified include educating users about the technology, providing consistent technical support, and integrating data into clinical workflows. The authors emphasize the need for further research, including randomized controlled trials, to establish efficacy and address ethical considerations surrounding AI-driven companionship. A surprising finding was the degree to which users perceived ElliQ as a friend, rather than simply a technological device.
