Abi, the humanoid companion robot developed by robotics start up Andromeda, will visit Victorian Not For Profit Benetas' Gladswood Lodge aged care home in Brunswick West for two or three hours a week over a 12-month period.
Abi, which uses GPT4 artificial intelligence models to recognise faces and build relationships, and a member of the Andromeda team will facilitate group sessions and conduct one-on-ones with residents in their rooms.
Earlier this year, the robot was trialled at Benetas' Colton Close aged care home, 12km north of the Melbourne city centre. Abi was able to engage with residents in group sessions and hold individual conversations. Abi also speaks 90 languages, so was able to cater to the needs of aged care residents from a diverse range of cultural and linguistical backgrounds.
Analysis conducted during the trial revealed 89% of residents found the sessions positive and 87% felt comfortable interacting with Abi.
Andromeda Robotics Co-Founder Grace Brown said in October she aims to have Abi robots in 100 aged care homes within 18 months.
“It’s exciting to see the positive impact she has already had on residents, and we’re proud to continue this partnership," she said.
Benetas, which has 12 aged care homes across Victoria, as well as home care and retirement living operations, is keen to continue exploring how innovative technologies like Abi can improve the wellbeing of older people.
“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."
Lutheran Homes Barossa, formerly Tanunda Lutheran Home, also trialled Abi earlier this year.
