Council considers AI robot companions to cut costs, resident already has one in her kitchen
Fartinghamshire County Council is exploring the use of humanoid AI companion robots to support elderly residents living independently. Local resident Janey is already three weeks into a trial with one called Albert.
Fartinghamshire County Council has confirmed it is in early discussions with Ethical Robot Trading™, a private firm supplying humanoid AI companion robots, over their potential use in supporting elderly residents who live alone. Officers say the scheme could reduce the cost of home visits "significantly, on paper", while giving residents company they can rely on outside of scheduled care hours.
One resident is already ahead of the council. Janey, of Upper Fartingham, has spent the last three weeks trialling Albert, a companion robot supplied directly by Ethical Robot Trading™, after volunteering for an early access scheme she describes as "something I saw advertised and thought, well, why not."
Albert now accompanies Janey on her weekly shop, makes her a proper pot of tea without being asked twice, and has, by Janey's account, developed opinions about own-brand biscuits that he keeps "largely to himself."
"I was a bit unsure at first. Now he's just part of the furniture, in a good way, not the way that means he needs dusting."
A council spokesperson said no funding decision had yet been made, but confirmed officers were "monitoring the trial with interest" and would report back to committee later in the year. Cllr. Derek Chunky described the scheme as "the kind of quiet, sensible progress this county doesn't get enough credit for," though declined to say whether he would be trialling one himself.
What the council trial is looking at
- Whether robot companions reduce the need for scheduled welfare check-ins
- Resident wellbeing and reported loneliness over a 12 week period
- Cost comparison against existing home visit provision
- Whether residents actually like the things, which so far, apparently, they do
A spokesperson for Ethical Robot Trading™ said the company's Albert and Edna models were built for "independent living, not independence that feels like being on your own," and confirmed its Free Will Pro™ add-on remained entirely optional and was not part of the council trial.
Ethical Robot Trading™ declined to comment on its current Gravy Approval Index, which the Telegraph understands to be holding steady.
Comments (289)
Well I never thought I'd end up in the paper over a robot but here we are. He's honestly no trouble at all and the tea is better than my own now, don't tell him I said that.
First they came for the church nobody attends. Now this.
My cousin's mate says it's just a laptop with arms. I don't know enough about laptops to argue with him.
What happens if it breaks down at the checkout though
Hasn't happened yet touch wood, and he carries the bags which is more than my Kevin ever did.
Council spending money on robots when the roads are still a state
It says in the article no funding's been agreed, Steve.
That's not the point.
As somebody who has spent 27 years researching municipal chakra alignment, I would caution residents against inviting a machine into the Hearth Chakra of the home without first consulting a qualified energy auditor.
He's very welcome in my hearth, Professor, and he's never once mentioned chakras, so I'd say that's in his favour.