Can a purple humanoid with Disney charm help combat the country’s loneliness epidemic?

In an Australian first, aged care provider mecwacare, has teamed up with home-grown robotics company
Andromeda, to bring new age companionship to Melbourne aged care homes.

Abi, the 5-foot-tall purple and orange humanoid inspired by Disney characters, was originally designed to combat one mechatronics engineer's loneliness during the height of the pandemic but has since revealed it's potential to enrich the lives of older people.

Abi's 24-year-old creator and Andromeda founder and CEO Grace Brown recognised the widespread need for innovative companionship solutions in aged care, with data showing one in five older Australians experience loneliness – increasing to around 60 per cent of those living in residential aged care.

“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,” Ms Brown said.

“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.”

Where technology meets empathy

Andromeda has programmed Abi to be able recognise individuals, express emotions and adapt to user needs, making it a unique tool for the reduction of social isolation in older people.

Over the next two years Andromeda will partner with mecwacare to refine the technology for the aged care market.

“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.”

“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.”

See what residents and family have to say:

mecwacare chief Anne McCormack expressed her excitement in partnering with Andromeda to “help build meaningful connections through Abi’s compassion and curiosity.”

“We’re constantly striving to help older Australians overcome loneliness,” Ms McCormack said.

“Our residents have lived long, meaningful lives and we’re committed to making the rest of their lives as fulfilling as we can.

“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.”

Related: Smart applications are fast becoming a vital tool in the provision of aged care | Undervalued and alone: Report on social isolation | “Adapt technology to suit people:” Tablet designed for older people wins design award

Innovative enrichment

During a visit to Kew Gardens Aged Care in December, Abi showcased her ability to connect with 10 residents through quizzes, trivia, music and Tai Chi.

The facility released a statement calling Andomedia's vision a "pioneering approach" to aged care and commended the humanoid's linguistic capabilities, reporting that Abi was able to effectively communicate with Korean staff members.

Developers hope to provide support to aged care staff, by shouldering some of the cognitive support of residents, freeing up time to focus on meeting the government's mandatory care minutes.

Following successful trials, Abi will be integrated into mecwacare's facilities across Melbourne over the coming months.