Celebrating a history of firsts 
ElliQ
ElliQ, an AI-powered companion designed to support older adults, was developed in partnership with Fuseproject and a team of aging and robotics specialists in 2016. The mission was clear: create a product that would enhance the lives of seniors aging in place, but the form factor and experience were uncharted territory.
The design process was a journey of discovery. Through research and interviews, we learned that seniors didn’t want a robot following them around. Instead, they preferred a stationary companion that acknowledged their presence, initiated conversations, and offered support—without becoming overly intrusive or emotionally dependent. Human connection remained paramount for them, and they desired a smart object that could engage them without trying to replace human interactions.
Fuseproject’s design for ElliQ was based on these insights. Rather than resembling a cute pet or toy, ElliQ was designed as a friendly object with two distinct parts: an emotive component with light and movement, and a screen for video calls, reading, and watching videos. This separation allowed users to feel they were interacting with a smart, helpful device rather than a dependent companion.
Launched just before COVID, ElliQ addressed the growing sense of isolation among seniors. Today, local governments in states like Florida, New York, and New Jersey are promoting ElliQ, making it available for free to seniors in need of support and companionship. ElliQ exemplifies how design and technology can empower older adults to maintain independence while fostering meaningful engagement.
- Brand Strategy
- Naming
- Brand Identity
- Product Strategy
- Character Design
- Product Design
- Experience Strategy
- UI/UX Design
- CMF Design
6.7B
- With 17.3 million adults over 65 living alone—nearly 30% of the senior population—social isolation is a major public health concern, adding $6.7 billion in annual Medicare costs.
95% Less
- 95% of ElliQ users report feeling less lonely. Through local agency partnerships, ElliQ is available for free to eligible older adults in states like New York, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, California, and Washington.
50% Reduction
- Fuseproject designed all three versions of ElliQ, with Version 3.0 cutting material use by 50%, making her even more sustainable and accessible.
“When I saw the models of ElliQ the team made for the first time, and saw her move and light up, and lean in for the first time – I knew we had it.”
Dor Sukler
CEO and Founder, Intuition Robotics
News
- Fast Company
Awards
- IF Design Awards
- Gold - Design for Society - Design for Elders, 2021
- International Design Awards
- Winner - ElliQ, User Experience, 2017
- Fast Company Innovation Awards
- Honorable Mention - ElliQ, Product, 2017
- Fast Company Innovation Awards
- Honorable Mention - ElliQ, Experimental, 2017
- Fast Company Innovation Awards
- Silver - ElliQ, Product Design, 2017
- International Design Awards
- Silver - ElliQ, Branding, 2017
- International Design Awards
Exhibitions
- New Old Tour - March 2017
- Lodz Art Centre
- The New Old - January 2017
- Design Museum
