Lifelike Robotic Pets Are Helping Isolated Seniors Avoid Loneliness

State agencies in Alabama, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania have teamed with robotic pet manufacturer Ageless Innovation to provide isolated adults with lifelike robotic pets during the pandemic, reports CNN . The company's Joy for All Companion Pets line is designed to feel, look, and sound like actual pets, said Ageless Innovation's CEO Ted Fischer. "We have technology inside that product that allows you to respond to touch and sound and light in different ways," he explained. "And what we found is older adults wanted realism." New York was the first state to trial the artificial pets with isolated older adults, and 70 percent of participants noted a decline in isolation after one year. "When I learned that we might be able to help ease the feelings of loneliness for around $100 per recipient I thought that would be a great way to try it out," said Alabama Department of Senior Services Commissioner Jean Brown. She added that the department aims to conduct periodic evaluations for the next year to more clearly ascertain whether the pilot has been as successful as she hopes it will be.