[Intuition Robotics in The Washington Post] In the future, virtual assistants will not only take orders. They’ll also have ideas of their own.

For a tiny tabletop robot, ElliQ has a lot of opinions.

When the weather is nice, it suggests a walk. When it’s time to take medication, the device is ready with a reminder. Haven’t spoken to relatives in awhile? It thinks a call is in order.

Israel-based Intuition Robotics is developing the virtual assistant specifically for the elderly, a population shown to be more vulnerable to social isolation and physical inactivity. The founders expect that frequent engagement with a robot that makes positive lifestyle suggestions will promote physical and mental wellness, said chief executive Dor Skuler.

Read more on The Washington Post here.