Would You Let a Robot Companion Come into Your Home?

The idea of a robot companion isn't new. It's something clearly illustrated in cult classics such as "Weird Science;" however, the concept of their purpose and duties has evolved and now lies with practicality and function, rather than fun and frivolity. These modern robots are designed to assist people, from the kids to teenagers, the elderly, and everyone in between.

With modern robot companions, the thought process is to develop cognitive robots with the only purpose in life - to serve humans as an assistant or companion. Once perfected, the robots will have the ability to learn new tasks and skills in an open-needed manner and grow while interacting and co-operating with humans.

While this may sound interesting and intriguing to many, others view it is as questionable. Regardless of which side of the fence your thoughts lie, there are some obvious benefits offered by companion robots. Keep reading to learn more.

The Benefits and Positive Impacts of Companion Robots

There are countless benefits offered by the presence of companion robots. Some of the top benefits include:

• Ability to help when lifting something heavy

• Help with monitoring the elderly, pets, or young children

• Provide reminders and alarms for medication, eating, exercising, appointments, etc.

• Provide an on-site communication tool

• Promote independence for older adults

• Fill care gaps

• Reduce the burden on friends and family members

• Endless patience

• No need to clean up after

• Companionship

Keep in mind, the benefits offered by companion robots are based on a person's individual needs. For example, robots can help children with their math homework, or help parents in unloading groceries from the car. Also, because of the diverse needs people have when it comes to companion robots, the abilities, skills, and even design is continuing to evolve. This has led to the development of all types, sizes, and styles of companion robots to choose from.

Types of Companion Robots

The concept of a fully-functioning, life-size robot is still one that's not readily available to the public, but it's something that many believe will be commonplace in homes in the future. For now, though, there are other options.

For example, the Ageless Innovations Tabby Cat Interactive Companion looks, feels, and even sounds like a real cat. For many people, especially the elderly, this robot makes the perfect pet. It provides companionship and interaction (just like a real cat) without the need to feed, clean up after, or bathe the companion.

There are several options to choose from, including the Silver Tabby Kitten, and even a dog. Another dog-like robot, offered by Sony, is Aibo. It's one of the first robotic pets to gain interests in this niche.

Another popular option is the Abilix iPal Companion Robot. At 3.5-foot-tall, this robot helps to make education fun for kids. It can encourage physical activity, play games, tell stories, dance, and talk. There's an array of tablet-based educational programs you have access to, and the robot features a six-inch LCD display.

If you love Alexa, then the UBTECH LYNX Humanoid Robot with Amazon Alexa may be just what you are looking for. This robot performs an array of tasks, such as giving a hug, greeting, and dancing, all made possible through the Lynx Robot app connected to your smartphone. You can also set it to surveillance mode, which provides a 30-second video recording if the PIR sensor detects any motion.

Keep in mind, these are just a few examples of the types of robots currently available. As technology changes and improves, updates to these options are also going to appear.

What the Future Holds for Companion Robots

While there's no way to know exactly what the future for companion robots holds, there's no question this is a technology that's not going anywhere any time soon. In fact, it is the wave of the future.

With AI and the IoT becoming more prevalent, the need for smart, connected devices is growing and what better way to remain connected than with a companion robot? While there are multiple robot companion options available that vary in price, apart from entertainment and companionship, we don't have robots that are affordable or smart enough for most consumers.

For some, having what's on the market now is exactly what they want and need. For others, waiting for technology to catch up with fiction, so to speak, seems like an investment worth waiting for.

Picture Credit: 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/92587836@N04/39639299772

Sources:
https://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/ai-robotics/">https://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/ai-robotics/
http://theconversation.com/robot-companions-are-coming-into-our-homes-so-how-human-should-they-be-63154">http://theconversation.com/robot-companions-are-coming-into-our-homes-so-how-human-should-they-be-63154