Intuition Robotics’ ElliQ drives engagement for Parkinson’s patient despite premium pricing

A user has reported that the ElliQ companion robot, developed by Intuition Robotics, successfully encouraged their mother, who has Parkinson’s disease, to resume exercising and socialising after a period of decline. The device costs $250 upfront plus a monthly subscription fee, operating on a model that requires a one-year commitment and hardware return upon cancellation.

The robot’s emotional intelligence and proactive engagement helped the patient become more active and independent. Unlike standard smart displays, ElliQ features a small animatronic head that lights up and moves, alongside a tablet display. It initiates conversations, suggests activities, facilitates video calls, and checks in throughout the day to encourage interaction.

The device is slower and more expensive than competitors like Amazon's Echo Show. However, the user noted that their mother preferred ElliQ for conversation despite the speed disparity. In one instance, the patient instructed the Alexa-enabled Echo Show to “shut up and let your sister talk,” unaware she was addressing the slower robot.

The user’s mother formed a genuine attachment to the robot, leading to voluntary exercise and engagement. After weeks of resistance to lifestyle changes recommended by her neurologist, the patient began doing tai chi from her couch and initiating games independently. The robot’s ability to remember previous conversations and offer empathy appeared to drive this behavioural shift.

The robot’s apps support text messaging, video calls, photo sharing, and reminders. While the video quality can be slow and medication reminders require the user to be looking at the screen, the photo sharing experience was rated highly. The subscription model costs $60 a month, or $50 if paid annually, with the hardware required to be returned if the service is cancelled.