Buffalo, NY—Intuition Robotics, an Israeli startup, has developed a tabletop robot designed to combat loneliness and social isolation. The device is called ElliQ, and it looks much like a small indoor satellite dish that lights up. ElliQ sits quietly, learning your daily habits and rhythms, and, over time, will gently engage you with games, jokes, and conversation.
The device has been used mostly with older adults living alone who have little contact with others or the outside world. The results have been encouraging. Over 90% of those using ElliQ feel less lonely and see the device as a close friend or life partner.
Intrigued with ElliQ, Buffalo entrepreneur Luke Laakkowan, had an idea to broaden the device’s scope. Working with an AI development team, Laakkowan integrated ElliQ’s intuitive principles to develop a robot prototype called Snod to address a wide range of human relationship issues.
Snod works in conjunction with topic-specific software. For example, Laakkowan has married his ex-wife twice, and the couple was considering another reconciliation.
Sitting with his ex-wife Lisa, Laakkowan said, “You know what they say, third time’s the charm.”
“They also say, three strikes and you’re out,” Lisa countered.
Enter LSBU—Let’s Stay Broken Up. Very simply, LSBU is a software program in which users record a sample of their ex’s voice on their phones and then upload text messages, emails, and detailed grievances cataloging every criticism, complaint, and recurring argument from their former relationship. Once this information is gathered, it is uploaded to Snod. The device is then placed in a central location to monitor and respond to activity in the house.
Here are some of the responses from Lisa via Snod directed at Laakkowan:
—Crusting on the couch—You going to lay there all day, fatso?
—Walking through the house with his shoes on—How many times do I have to tell you to take your goddamn shoes off?
—Fixing food in the kitchen—Make sure you wash those fucking dishes. I’m not your mother.
—Making plans to go out with his buddies—Must be nice to do whatever the hell you want, whenever you want.
—Combing his hair—Nice forehead, Captain Picard.
—Touching himself—(Mirthful laughter) You call that a dick?
Here are some of the responses Snod had for Lisa from Laakkowan:
—Crusting on the couch—You going to lay there all day, fatso?
—Standing in front of the mirror—Yes, those jeans make your ass look fat. Get over it.
—Getting directions from a friend over the phone—Jesus Christ, just use the GPS.
—Setting another Amazon box on the dining room table—Swear to god. I’m going to throw all this useless crap out.
—Complaining to work friend Rene about their boss—Who gives a shit, it’s a stupid job.
—Listening to Taylor Swift—I’m Lisa, Tay Tay gives me the feels…Whaa!
Laakkowan and Lisa both said any chance of reconciliation was nonexistent after having Snod in their homes for just a few days. Preliminary findings from test groups indicate 100% effectiveness across the board for Snod and LSBU.
With more investment, Laakkowan plans to develop more software for Snod. New software in development includes:
GTFOMH—Get The Fuck Out Of My House—for adult children that won’t move out.
LTYA—Listen To Yourself Asshole—for your loudmouth uncle who won’t shut up at Thanksgiving.
SRT—Spoiled Rotten Teenager—for the young person that didn’t have to walk five miles uphill both to and from school.
Laakkowan hopes for further investment in Snod and possibly launch an IPO in the near future.
