Intuitive AI robot returns to Benetas aged care homes fostering innovative interaction

Artificial intelligence-powered robot Abi will return to Benetas residential aged care homes following a successful trial of the technology earlier this year.

Benetas this week confirmed an ongoing partnership with Melbourne start-up Andromeda Robotics and its robot Abi, which will spend time in Benetas residential aged care homes for an hour each week over the next 12 months.

The intuitive robot was trialled at Glenroy’s Colton Close aged care home earlier this year, interacting with residents, using GPT4 artificial intelligence models to recognise faces and build relationships.

Abi created a unique, engaging and meaningful experience for residents during lifestyle activities and one-to-one interactions.

The humanoid companion robot also speaks 90 languages, catering to residents from a range of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The Colton Close trial showed strong and consistent engagement with residents regularly joining group sessions while others enjoyed one-on-one conversations with Abi on request.

Research undertaken throughout the trial found all residents looked forward to visits from Abi, with 89 per cent finding the sessions positive and 87 per cent comfortable interacting with Abi.

Benetas General Manager Customer, Insights and Marketing Elyssia Clark said each session had provided different benefits, whether it was supporting friendships, emotional connections or just being able to share stories.

Ms Clark said the key to the trial’s success was the strong engagement by the Colton Close leadership and lifestyle teams, which proactively encouraged residents to engage with Abi.

“We’re extremely excited to have Abi back at Benetas,” Ms Clark said.

“Our residents, family members and employees witnessed the impact she had first hand, and we want to ensure more have the opportunity to interact with this amazing technology.

“While technology will never replace the very essential human element of aged care, creations like Abi can entertain, engage and bring joy to our residents.”

Andromeda Robotics Co-Founder Grace Brown said it was exciting to be returning to Benetas after the success of the initial trial.

“It’s exciting to see the positive impact she has already had on residents, and we’re proud to continue this partnership,” Ms Brown said.

“Abi’s ability to engage with residents, support meaningful interactions, and break downs language barriers has shown just how much potential humanoid robots like her have in enhancing aged care.

“This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see how Abi continues to make a difference at Benetas."