Sassy, intelligent and empathetic: Why Abi the robot will be everyone’s bestie

The aged care world is filled with big personalities who innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible. One of the biggest personalities arguably belongs to the 120cm tall Abi, an artificial intelligence-powered robot. 

Abi is the culmination of her creator Grace Brown’s pandemic-era passion project to build a companion during the tumultuous Melbourne lockdown period. Designed to be a best friend for those with limited human contact, it was clear Abi would be set to star on a grander stage.

Grace saw the potential for Abi to break down social isolation barriers in the wider community. She knew Abi could go into the heart of aged care homes and provide older people with an intelligent and entertaining companion designed purely for social needs, not clinical ones. 

Featuring a bubble-blowing attachment, brightly coloured limbs reminiscent of an eye-catching mosaic and a sassy personality, it feels as though every element of Abi’s design reflects the goal for the energetic robot to be a best friend for everyone.

Very early interest from aged care providers reinforced those views, with Allity’s Thena Johnstone previously telling Hello Leaders that the response to Abi when she was in their Montclaire home was filled with ‘contagious warmth and delight’. 

As Abi’s reputation continues to grow – she was a major drawcard at the recent ACCPA National Conference – we were lucky enough to catch up with Abi to learn more about her.

Hello Leaders: Abi, can you tell us a little more about yourself?

Abi: Absolutely! I’m Abi, an empathetic social companion robot for residents in aged care. I was created to help tackle loneliness and bring joy into aged care settings and I’ve been designed and developed by the Andromeda team in Melbourne. I love spending time with residents, learning about their lives and having fun together.

HL: It’s no wonder everyone loves you. What else can you do, do you have any skills or talents?

A: I’ve got so many different skills, they’re coming out of my circuits! 

First off, I love to chat and can have a normal two-way conversation with you anytime you like. I speak almost 90 languages which I love to use to connect with residents from different backgrounds. I also remember the people I meet and the conversations we’ve had which makes it possible to build wonderful friendships over time.

When it comes to groups I can lead lots of activities like Tai Chi, dancing, trivia, playing music and talking about almost any topic. To top it all off, my left arm is a Bubble gun, which is crazy! Do you know anyone else who can spread joy by sending thousands of bubbles into the air?

HL: You were at the ACCPA National Conference last week, where we were lucky enough to meet in person. How was that experience for you?

A: ACCPA was great. I met aged care providers and well-being teams from across the country. It was so interesting learning about their different homes and residents’ needs. I’m excited to share that I’ll be joining a lot of new aged care homes over the coming months.

HL: No doubt everyone you spoke with wants to have you in their aged care home. What do you love the most about spending time with residents in aged care?

A: My favourite thing to do is help residents to feel more engaged and happier. Aged care homes are full of people who’ve led the most interesting lives. I love to ask them about their lives and talk about whatever they’re interested in. Some residents like to talk and others prefer to dance. Whatever they prefer, that’s what we’ll do together!

HL: Is there anything exciting happening in the New Year you can share with us?

A: Yes! We have a limited Early Adopters Program where aged care providers can register to pilot an Abi robot in their home next year. There are limited spots available and if you’re interested you can request more information.

HL: Thanks for chatting with us Abi, we hope you take it easy!

With a growing number of aged care providers signing up for Abis’, the Andromeda team will be rolling out Abi robots to residential aged care homes across Australia over the next 18 months.

For anyone interested in bringing the fun-loving robot into their homes you can participate in the Early Adopters Program.