Robot brings joy to seniors

Assistive robots are increasingly being introduced into nursing homes and adult day care centers across the United States. This trend is a direct response to persistent staffing shortages and a rapidly aging population, with analysts forecasting substantial growth in the elder-care robot market. The global market for these robots is expected to surge from $3.4 billion in 2025 to nearly $10 billion by 2033.

One such robot, Mirokai, a 4-foot-tall companion, has been delighting clients at Live Oak Adult Day Services in San Jose. Designed to provide entertainment and conversation, Mirokai plays music and leads games, effectively bringing the space to life. These robots are viewed as tools to support human caregivers, freeing them to focus on more direct patient needs.

Enchanted Tools, the company behind Mirokai, notes that the robot's applications extend beyond elder care. Trials are underway in hospital settings to assist children undergoing cancer treatment. While the cost of Mirokai can be as high as $80,000, the positive impact on residents, such as 94-year-old Beryl Greensmith who called it a highlight of her life, underscores its value.