ElliQ can offer a wide range of activities for its users, including in-depth conversations and games. | Source: Intuition Robotics
ElliQ, an AI-powered robotic companion for older adults, is coming to the Japanese market. Intuition Robotics Ltd., the developer of the social robot, is partnering with trading company Kanematsu Corp. for the co-development, sale, and provision of services related to a localized version of ElliQ.
The Japanese market will be Intuition Robotics’ first international expansion outside of the U.S. In addition, Kanematsu has invested in the Ramat Gan, Israel-based company through the subscription to a third-party allocation of new shares, thereby acquiring a stake in the company. The investment brings Intuition’s total equity funding to $85 million.
“It is of strategic importance to Intuition Robotics to expand our mission to Japan of helping older adults stay independent, healthy, and happy with our empathetic AI companion,” stated Dor Skuler, co-founder and CEO of Intuition Robotics. “Together with Kanematsu, we are building on the measurable impact we’ve already made in the U.S. to help accelerate the adoption of AI and robotics for the well-being of the aging population in Japan.”
“Japan stands at the forefront of embracing innovation to solve societal challenges, specifically those related to the aging population, and we are very humbled to be invited to take part in this effort,” he added. “We see Kanematsu as an innovator with deep ties into different sectors in the Japanese ecosystem, and we are proud to work alongside Kanematsu Corp. to empower older adults through meaningful, trusted relationships with technology.”
Kanematsu targets Japan’s aging population
Japan is facing a rapidly aging population, resulting in a serious shortage of personnel in the caregiving and nursing homes sector. In response to these societal challenges, Kanematsu and Intuition Robotics are collaborating to conduct market research and deliver the Japanese version of ElliQ and related services to older adults in Japan.
The companies are targeting a launch of ElliQ in Japan in 2026. Tokyo-based Kanematsu plans to use its network of more than 20,000 business partners to build ElliQ into a comprehensive platform that supports the lives of older adults.
“Recognizing the advanced AI technologies developed by Intuition Robotics, Kanematsu aims to leverage these technologies in combination with the Kanematsu Group’s extensive network to develop new business opportunities and contribute to addressing the challenges faced by Japan’s aging society,” said Yoshiya Miyabe, the president and CEO of Kanematsu.
Kanematsu and Intuition Robotics are seeking business partners to facilitate the broad expansion of ElliQ.
ElliQ is a proactive companion
Intuitive Robotics designed ElliQ to support all aspects of daily life for older adults, including health management, preventive care, communication, monitoring, and various activities. Unlike conventional conversational AI products that rely on simple question-and-answer interactions, ElliQ is capable of proactively engaging with users based on goals, claimed the company.
ElliQ has the ability to remember conversations and effectively motivate participation in daily activities, thereby stimulating both the mind and body of elderly users, Intuition asserted. The robot also offers features such as medication reminders and support for health management.
On average, ElliQ interacts with users more than 30 times a day. Intuition Robotics said recent data shows that 94% of users say ElliQ reduces loneliness, 97% report improved wellness, and 90% experience a better quality of life, with these results validated by medical journals and state agencies.
Accepted and integrated into daily routines, ElliQ speaks, gestures, remembers, and supports users over time, demonstrating the emotional intelligence needed for AI to thrive in home environments, the company said.
To date, thousands of older adults in the U.S. are living with ElliQ through government-funded programs and through private pay, Intuition said.
Editor’s note: RoboBusiness 2025, which will be on Oct. 15 and 16 in Santa Clara, Calif., will feature tracks on physical AI, enabling technologies, humanoids, field robotics, design and development, and business. Registration is now open.
