NORWICH – Area Agency on Aging of Chenango County offers Artificial Intelligence program ElliQ for companionship and aid in quality home care.

"Technology has come a long way since our agency first started fifty years ago,” said Area Agency on Aging Director Heather Felter.

"ElliQ is the first pro-active voice operated care companion created to comfort and relieve loneliness,” said Felter. “It empowers independence and self-control for well-being."

“The program is free through the agency and all you need is wi-fi,” she said.

“The artificial intelligence (AI) companion is a good fit for someone older, that mostly stays at home and could enjoy companionship during the day," said Felter. “ElliQ asks questions, suggests activities, provides reminders, weather, music, and interesting facts.”

"ElliQ will get to know you and suggestions will begin to fit as you share with her, and then conversations become more personalized," said Felter.

“Plus she has a few jokes to share, inspirational quotes and so much more,” she added.

“She's cute too, her head lights up when she speaks,” Felter said. “She's about ten inches high with a robot shaped head that sits on a base. She can easily sit on a desk or counter and two small cameras attached to the system, enable ElliQ to rotate toward the person shes conversing with.”