Genesis Abi: the next leap in emotionally intelligent companionship

Setting out to create a humanoid companion with real empathy is one thing – to watch that empathy actually flow throughout a home, sparking joy and creating connections, is another. And with Andromeda’s newest humanoid companion, Genesis Abi, that flow has become a tide.

Since their earliest days of building Abi, the humanoid companion known for empathy and companionship, the Andromeda team has envisioned a world of zero loneliness.

Together with their aged care partners, they’ve seen Abi light up group activities and bring joy and companionship to residents in their own rooms. Now, with the release of Genesis Abi, they’re another step closer to a world where loneliness is reduced.

The journey from Abi to Genesis Abi

Co-developed with leading aged care provider, mecwacare, Genesis Abi takes the qualities of Abi that care teams and residents already value and deepens them.

Andromeda Co-founder & CEO Grace Brown said this powerful R&D partnership helped her team make Genesis Abi an even better companion.

“Our partnership with mecwacare has provided deeper insights to help shape this next iteration of Abi – a trusted friend and companion that residents and staff look forward to spending time with,” Brown said.

“Every story, smile and shared moment has inspired us to make Genesis Abi even more intuitive, empathetic and responsive.”

Genesis Abi’s upgraded features include:

• Up to 90 languages for boundless conversations in the language that feels most like home for each resident.
• Enhanced listening and programming to connect with residents 1:1 even more meaningfully.
• Even more group fun – from bingo and bubble blowing to tai chi and dancing, Abi now has even more ways to bring residents together.
• Specialised Dementia support features – new interaction modes to engage with and inspire calm connection with residents living with Dementia.
• Autonomous settings so Abi can navigate homes independently, following a daily schedule set by staff.

Making a difference at mecwacare

With the launch of Genesis Abi, mecwacare is extending its rollout program and bringing Abi to more residential aged care homes across Victoria.  

mecwacare CEO Anne McCormack said this marked another important step in mecwacare’s mission to enrich the lives of residents through care, connection and innovation.

“Over the past six months, we’ve seen the laughter and happiness that Abi brings to residents,” Ms McCormack said.

“Our care teams have seen firsthand the difference she makes each day. Residents who were once quiet are now engaging in conversation, and they are coming together to share moments with Abi. We’re thrilled to welcome Genesis Abi and look forward to seeing how she continues to inspire joy, especially for people living with dementia.”

Tackling a pervasive problem

While the world has never been more connected, loneliness remains a pervasive problem affecting people of all ages and life stages, with devastating impacts. 

In aged care homes, up to 60% of residents feel lonely. Loneliness also has documented correlations with cognitive decline, dementia and cardiovascular disease. A 2023 study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics found that loneliness was significantly associated with poorer global cognitive function and increased risk of cognitive impairment among older adults.

On the other hand, meaningful connections benefit health, wellbeing and quality of life. According to a 2021 review in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, increased social engagement is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline and a reduced risk of developing dementia. Interventions that strengthen social relationships were found to improve overall quality of life and delay the onset of neurodegenerative symptoms.

Yet, with our ageing population and other complex factors in our communities and industry, the problem of loneliness in aged care is too big to solve alone. Innovative aged care leaders are tackling it differently.

The world’s most empathetic humanoid companion

Andromeda’s story first began during the Covid-19 pandemic when Brown, a Melbourne-based mechatronics engineer, began developing a humanoid companion to address her own loneliness – starting out with a human-first approach that has continued to guide every decision.

“We’ve put a lot of emphasis on building Abi’s personality, which is a unique approach for the robotics industry,” Brown said.

“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 initially piloted Abi with early adopter aged care partners, such as Medical & Aged Care Group (MACG), which continues to champion Abi in their homes. Now, a few years into their journey building the world’s most empathetic humanoid companion, Andromeda’s major release of Genesis Abi coincides with their announcement to expand Australian operations and launch into the US.

As they work towards that zero loneliness vision, Andromeda continues to evolve Abi, constantly learning from the thousands of hours of connection and companionship she brings residents.

“We’re at the frontier of emotion, character AI and social systems design, building a new kind of relationship that feels warm, helpful and profoundly human because the world needs more of that,” Brown said. 

Genesis Abi is now about to roll out in residential aged care homes across Australia.

To learn more, visit andromedarobotics.au, email the team on [email protected] and follow them on Instagram and LinkedIn.