Being raised by my grandparents was an amazing gift from God. When I was seven years old, my grandparents brought home a puppy. He was long haired, mostly black with white paws and a white chest. I think he was part Collie, part German Shepard. And he was mine! We immediately became best friends. I named him Blackie. About two years later, during the winter season, I was lying on the living room floor near the fireplace. My grandparents were watching TV. And Blackie was lying near me. So I decided to play with his tail. He was not amused. But I continued. He even growled. I laughed and reached for his tail again. He jumped up and somehow grabbed the back collar of my sweatshirt. And dragged me from the living room into the dining room and back into the living room. I was yelling for him to stop, while I flailed back and forth. He deposited me in front of my grandparents' feet. And calmly laid down. They were laughing hysterically. And said, “That’s what you get!” I loved Blackie so much. Pets can become family so quickly. And they never judge or criticize. They just love you.
So what happens when the elderly living in senior facilities get lonely? And loved ones are far away. And visits are rare. Sadly, a pet would no longer be an option. Well, Ageless Innovation is working to tackle loneliness amongst the elderly. Ageless Innovation was founded by the Joy For All leadership team that left Hasbro in 2018. Ageless Innovations says their Joy For All companion pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship and fun to elderly loved ones. Through AI, their interactive cats and pups are all about an ease-of-care and convenience that pairs with technology for the best possible experience. Built-in sensors respond to motion and touch, you can feel their heartbeat. And they have a very life-like coat. The dogs bark and the cats meow. There's even a bird! Best of all, they’re all potty-trained. Although, they won’t have the joy of watching their grandchild being dragged from room to room.
AI is just innovation. And just like any innovation i.e., the internet, cell phones, personal computers, and social media, it’s all about the user. Is the user’s intent altruistic or divisive? Philanthropic or selfish? Or just for personal enjoyment. However, the main difference with AI is that it's the only one of the aforementioned innovations that a whole section of society, across all ethnicities, economic status or religions, are extremely fearful of its development. But today, let’s focus on cute AI driven dogs, cats and birds. Who’s a good boy? AI’s a good boy…for now.