In an age where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, it's heartening to see innovations that aim to address some of the most poignant challenges faced by society. One such challenge, particularly felt in aged care homes, is the issue of loneliness among the elderly. Enter Abi, a 120cm tall robot companion that seems to have leaped right out of a heartwarming Pixar film and into reality, promising to revolutionize elderly care and provide a remedy to isolation.

Developed by mechatronics engineer Grace Brown during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Abi is not just a marvel of engineering but also a beacon of hope for those who have been yearning for companionship. Grace recognized the growing 'loneliness epidemic' and understood that the solution wouldn't come from more human interaction alone. With an aging population and the world becoming increasingly busy and disconnected, she turned to technology to fill the void.



Grace has been vocal about her desire to create a companion robot that breaks away from the clinical and impersonal designs of the past. She wanted to craft something more friendly, more animated, and with a personality that could truly engage its human friends. And so, Abi was born.

**How Does Abi Work?**


Abi is a technological wonder, powered by a high-performance NVIDIA Jetson computer. This friendly robot is designed to learn about her environment through audio and visual cues. She's connected to the internet, which informs her behavior and responses, and she even has a 'bank of memories' that allows her to interact in a more personalized and meaningful way.

But Abi isn't just about functionality. She's been programmed to entertain and engage, capable of blowing bubbles, performing Tai Chi, and even delivering a bit of sass with lines like, 'Oh darling, I feel like a kid in a candy store, like Beyonce at Coachella.'

**Abi in Nursing Homes**



The real test for Abi, however, comes in her interactions with the residents of nursing homes. In Melbourne, she's already proving to be a hit, with her presence bringing smiles and a sense of companionship to those who might otherwise feel forgotten. A trial is currently being set up to determine if Abi could become a permanent fixture in these homes.

The inspiration for Abi came from Grace's own experiences during the isolation of COVID, and her drive to help older Australians who were facing similar struggles. Through local market research, she discovered that Abi could offer a real solution to the loneliness that so many elderly individuals experience.

The goal is ambitious but achievable: to have 50 Abi robots built by the end of this year, with a target of 100 in the next 12 to 18 months. If successful, this could mark a significant shift in how we approach aged care and the well-being of our senior citizens.



**A Future with Abi**

As we look to the future, the potential for robots like Abi in aged care is immense. Not only could they provide companionship and reduce feelings of loneliness, but they could also assist with daily tasks, monitor health, and provide alerts in case of emergencies. The integration of such technology in aged care could lead to a new standard of living for our seniors, one where they are not only cared for but also genuinely engaged and connected.


We at the Seniors Discount Club are excited about the possibilities that Abi and similar technologies represent for the future of elderly care. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this innovative approach to combating loneliness. Could robots like Abi be the companions of the future for our senior loved ones? Share your opinions and join the conversation below!