New York Extended AI Companion Program for Seniors

The state signed a three-year, $2.1 million contract to keep providing ElliQ AI devices to older residents.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Senior Health

Bold vector editorial illustration of a sculptural, lamp-like robotic companion device, representing New York's health initiative for seniors. — New York state has renewed a $2.1 million contract to provide thousands of seniors with AI companion devices to combat isolation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust AI companions to meaningfully improve the daily wellbeing of older adults?

The New York State Office for the Aging has secured a three-year, $2.1 million agreement with Intuition Robotics to continue its AI companion program. The initiative provides older adults with the ElliQ device, which is designed to reduce social isolation and encourage healthy habits.

Why it matters

The program addresses the significant health risks associated with loneliness, an issue that costs Medicare more than $7 billion annually. By leveraging AI to provide reminders and engagement, the state aims to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable seniors.

Official reporting indicates that 97% of participants report improved overall wellbeing, while 94% report feeling less lonely. Users interact with the AI an average of 48 times per day, and 81% participate in physical activity encouraged by the device.

The players

New York State Office for the Aging

This state agency is responsible for planning, coordinating, and providing services for older New Yorkers.

Intuition Robotics

This technology company creates AI-driven social companion robots to support independent living for older adults.

The details

The program utilizes the ElliQ AI companion, which proactively engages seniors by providing health reminders and facilitating movement throughout the day. The state partnership, which began in 2022, has seen high demand with 3,500 older adults applying for participation in 2025 alone.

2016: Intuition Robotics was founded.
2018: NYSOFA established its first public-private partnership.
2022: NYSOFA launched the ElliQ program.
2025: Over 3,500 older adults applied for the program.
October 2026: NYSOFA and Intuition Robotics signed a new agreement.

Health Landscape

This program reflects a shift in state-level health strategies that prioritize digital companionship to address the Medicare-funded treatment costs for loneliness and social isolation. It signals a move toward proactive, technology-based interventions in public health systems.

Eligible older adults may benefit from increased social engagement and daily health reminders provided by the AI device. The high demand indicates that residents should monitor NYSOFA announcements for future application windows to access this technology.

The takeaway

This partnership highlights how AI can be integrated into aging-in-place strategies to mitigate the physical and mental health decline associated with isolation. Families of older adults may consider how similar interactive technology could supplement daily care routines.