Scientists developing 'robocat' with AI to help senior citizens

Brown University engineers teaming up with toymaker Hasbro for elderly care project

93-year-old Mary Derr holds her robot cat 'Buddy' (AP)

Toymaker Hasbro and scientists at Brown University have received a $1 million (£748,000) grant from the National Science Foundation to find ways to add artificial intelligence (AI) to Hasbro's “Joy for All” robotic cat as a way to help older adults with simple tasks.

The cat that's currently on the market is aimed at seniors and meant to act as a “companion.”

The new three-year project aims to develop additional capabilities to help older adults with simple tasks.

They're still working out what those tasks might be, but say it could include finding lost objects, or reminding the owner to call her daughter or go to a doctor's appointment.

The scientists hope they can be used to help older adults remain in their homes longer.

AP