Aging Companion Robotics, Urban Design and Traveling with Disabilities 5-5-26
Benjamin Surmi presented a Stanford report on robots for aging and disabilities, highlighting projects like Rosie, an outdoor guide dog, and an exoskeleton for better walking. Co-host Linda Sherman went deep on companion robotics by country. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented on innovative urban planning for aging populations, emphasizing Singapore’s Age Well SG program and the importance of universal design. Debbie Howard concluded with tools for traveling with disabilities, including Google Maps, and apps like Aviv ScoutRoute, RollMobility and Be My Eyes. It was a lively discussion with contributions from co-host Ray Gordon.
Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist
Stanford Report 4-1-26 Researchers Prepare Robots for an Aging Society
https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2026/04/domestic-robots-support-aging-population
Linda Sherman’s chart of companion robots by country PDF
Joy for All Companion Pets
Description: Affordable robotic companion cats and pups designed for older adults; tactile, familiar, and low learning curve. The established U.S. benchmark.
Tombot Jennie
Description: Hyperrealistic robotic Labrador puppy designed for dementia, loneliness, anxiety, and people who cannot care for a live pet. CES-visible; developed with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
Perfect Petzzz
Description: A much cheaper comfort object: a lifelike plush pet that appears to breathe. Less interactive than Joy for All, but simple and inexpensive.
LOVOT 3.0
Description: High-end AI social companion that moves autonomously, senses people, and develops personalized behavior over time.
Sony aibo ERS-1000
Description: AI robotic puppy and historically important consumer companion robot. It walks, responds to voice and touch, gets to know household members, learns tricks, develops a unique personality, and returns to its charging station.
PARO
Description: Therapeutic baby seal robot with long history in dementia and care settings. Less mobile than LOVOT, but more clinically established.
Qoobo / Petit Qoobo
Description: Minimalist tactile comfort robot: a soft furry cushion with a responsive tail. Very simple and emotionally intuitive.
Moflin
Description: AI emotional comfort creature designed for cuddling and adaptive interaction. More expressive than a plush pet, less complex than LOVOT.
MetaCat
Description: Direct robotic cat competitor to Joy for All, positioned as a smart companion pet with touch response, purring, meowing, and animated eyes.
Loona
Description: Mobile AI robot pet with cameras, sensors, voice/gesture interaction and playful behavior; more tech-toy than dementia-simple companion.
Kompaï
Description: Healthcare service robot for care settings; supports caregivers and residents with socialization, entertainment, mobility support, reminders, and everyday tasks.
Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life’s Encore Planning
Men’s Health 4-14-26 Innovative Urban Planners Are Transforming the Spaces Older People Will Thrive In by Michael Clinton
https://www.menshealth.com/health/a70895368/future-of-aging-spaces/
Michael Clinton talking about Longevity Nation book on LinkedIn
Michael Clinton’s New Longevity Nation Book
Our latest episode with Eric Levitan CEO of Vivo on the Rethinking Aging Club Podcast
GetSetUp is now in Singapore
Singapore’s Active Aging Program
Shonan Robo Care Center)
Our News for the Ages episode reported by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury about Co-housing
Presented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International
NY Times 3-13-26 Traveling With Disabilities Is Often Hard. These Tools Can Help by Liza Weisstuch
Three apps and one website help travelers with a variety of disabilities identify potential obstacles, get audio descriptions in 185 languages and book custom trips.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/13/travel/disabled-travelers-apps-accessibility.html
We referred to:
Our Rethinking Aging Club Podcast 4-24-25 featuring TRAVELSISTTravelsist Website: https://www.travelsist.com/
WheeltheWorld
Magazine Travel Without Limits
AVIV ScoutRoute
RollMobility
Be My Eyes
Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie Howard
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Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
