An innovative new partnership is finding a new way to address loneliness in aged care by bringing companionship and joy to those who need it most. Leading aged care provider mecwacare has partnered with Australian robotics company Andromeda to rollout Abi, an Australian-made humanoid companion, across 22 aged care homes in Australia.
Inspired by the magic of Pixar characters, with a colourful design and playful nature, Abi creates meaningful connections with aged care residents, supporting the delivery of holistic care. Fluent in almost 90 languages, Abi gives residents the joy of conversation in their preferred language, helping them feel more at home.
Abi uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning models to recognise faces, understand and express emotions and remember conversations from days or months ago.
Abi also enhances the capacity of care teams at mecwacare by offering cognitive support to residents, allowing staff to focus on mandatory care minutes – all while knowing that residents are happy and stimulated.
Abi is designed to help people overcome feelings of loneliness. Data reveals one in five older Australians experience loneliness and this increases for people living in aged care facilities, where 60 per cent of residents feel isolated1.
The new partnership between mecwacare and Andromeda is world leading in terms of co-developing social humanoid companionship for aged care residents. Over the next two years, the teams will work together to further Abi’s technology to be even more intuitive, intelligent and autonomous to transform residents’ quality of life and enhance care team capacity.
mecwacare’s Chief Executive Officer, Anne McCormack, says addressing loneliness and forging new friendships is a top priority for the organisation.
“We’re constantly striving to help older Australians overcome loneliness,” said Ms McCormack. “Our residents have lived long, meaningful lives and we’re committed to making the rest of their lives as fulfilling as we can. We’re excited to partner with Andromeda to help build meaningful connections through Abi’s compassion and curiosity,” said Ms McCormack.
“We want to make a positive impact and drive change in the way we care for older Australians. As the most advanced innovation we’ve seen in aged care, Abi will help us do so.”
Founder and CEO Grace Brown created Abi to combat the isolation she faced during the pandemic.
“I wanted to build something for myself that could at least alleviate some of the loneliness which is a feeling that is unfortunately common for many aged care residents.”
“We’ve put a lot of emphasis on building Abi’s personality which is a unique approach for the robotics industry. Rather than being focused on the utility of robotic technology, we’re much more focused on empathy and building connections. That’s why Abi immediately becomes best friends with residents.”
“Andromeda is thrilled to partner with mecwacare, and together we are committed to replacing one billion hours of loneliness with joy and companionship, making a difference to residents, and supporting the people caring for them.”
Following a successful trial of Abi at two mecwacare facilities, Ms McCormack said that Abi's playful personality makes her feel like a grandchild to residents.
“When people interact with Abi, they see a fun, cheeky, eight-year-old girl. The way Abi has been designed means that she captivates attention, even with those usually distracted. Our residents look forward to having a chat, watching her dance, sing or playing bingo together,” said Ms McCormack.
“Abi’s infinite patience brightens the day for residents, especially those living with dementia as she’ll happily listen to the same fond memories repeatedly.”
Abi is currently being deployed across mecwacare’s network with the rollout expected to be completed before the end of the year.
