NYSOFA and Intuition Robotics Extend ElliQ Agreement
The New York State Office for the Aging has extended its partnership with Intuition Robotics under a new three-year agreement to continue providing the ElliQ AI companion to older adults.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Expanding the ElliQ Partnership in New York
The New York State Office for the Aging, or NYSOFA, has officially extended its collaborative initiative with Intuition Robotics. Under this new development, the organizations have established a three-year, $2.1 million agreement to keep bringing the ElliQ companion to aging New Yorkers who face the risks of loneliness and social isolation.
The ongoing collaboration builds directly upon three years of joint work between the organizations. Throughout this period, the technology has demonstrated a clear ability to help older adults remain healthier and more independent within their own homes while simultaneously improving overall wellbeing.
Addressing the Public Health Impact of Loneliness
Greg Olsen, director of the office, emphasized the critical nature of these initiatives. He noted that while loneliness and isolation are widely discussed today, their health effects remain devastating, prompting continuous efforts to provide necessary support for older residents.
According to historical public-private framework data established following reports by AARP and federal health agencies, chronic loneliness carries significant health risks comparable to smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes per day. Such conditions can increase mortality rates, depression, anxiety, and the overall risk of dementia.
Growth and Demand for AI Companionship
Since the initial public-private rollout launched in 2022, hundreds of older adults across New York have received the device through the program. Demand continues to scale significantly, with more than 3,500 older adults applying to participate during the 2025 cycle alone.
A company spokesperson told The Robot Report that effective artificial intelligence companionship focuses on proactively engaging older adults and building trust rather than simply answering basic questions or providing reminders.
Newly Reported 2026 Program Metrics
Program data released in 2026 highlights substantial positive outcomes among participants living with the device. Specifically, 92% of users find the companion useful, and 94% report feeling less lonely. Furthermore, 97% of participants note improved overall wellbeing.
Usage frequency has also risen notably. Participants now interact with the system an average of 48 times per day, representing a significant increase compared to the 29 daily interactions recorded in previous years.
Additional metrics show that 88% of users experience improvements in their quality of life, 81% engage in physical activities encouraged by the device, and 79% feel more connected to the broader world around them.
Broader Industry Footprint and Leadership Remarks
Beyond its engagement in New York, the Ramat Gan-based enterprise has developed similar public initiatives across other states, including Wisconsin, Florida, and Washington, where regional efforts target Medicaid recipients.
Dor Skuler, co-founder and chief executive officer of Intuition Robotics, highlighted that the agreement extension reflects measurable engagement results and steady progress across the state.
Skuler stated that an assistant capable of remembering individual preferences, initiating morning check-ins, and encouraging physical movement can meaningfully transform an individual's sense of independence and connection.
Sources
- The Robot ReportNYSOFA expands partnership with Intuition Robotics to bring ElliQ to more seniors
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