Intuition Robotics
Definition
Intuition Robotics is an Israeli company founded in 2016 that makes ElliQ, a tabletop AI companion for older adults that starts conversations by itself instead of waiting to be addressed.
The problem: a voice assistant that waits instead of starting
A standard voice assistant waits to be spoken to; ElliQ takes the initiative. It suggests going for a walk, reminds about medication, asks how the night went. This design decision, at the core of Intuition Robotics, founded by Itai Mendelsohn, Dor Skuler and Roy Amir in 2016, makes the device relevant to older adults who would usually not start using technology on their own. Unlike a humanlike robot, ElliQ is a tabletop lamp-like head designed at Yves Béhar's studio Fuseproject. It deliberately avoids resembling a person, so as not to fall into the "uncanny valley." It was first shown at CES in January 2017, has been sold in the US on a subscription model since March 2022, and the ElliQ 3 version came out in January 2024.
Funding in 2023 and commercial expansion
In August 2023, Intuition Robotics raised $25 million ($20 million in equity and $5 million in venture debt), led by Woven Capital, Toyota's growth fund, with participation from Toyota Ventures, OurCrowd and Western Technology Investment. The funding followed a successful commercial launch with government agencies in the US, including programs to give ElliQ to end users at no cost through bodies such as the New York State Office for the Aging, which has so far distributed more than 800 units.
"We’ve seen the direct impact that loneliness has had on our aging community, but we’ve also seen the positive results our AI and technology have on the older adult population," said Dor Skuler, CEO and co-founder of Intuition Robotics, in the funding announcement.
Government insurance coverage: Medicaid and Medicare
In March 2026, Washington became the first US state where ElliQ is fully covered by Medicaid, as a Smart Care Device for Medicaid recipients in long-term services programs. The company also signed a first agreement with a managed care organization (MCO) focused on Medicare beneficiaries. This step establishes ElliQ as a product recognized by public insurers, not just a consumer gadget.
FAQ ❓
What does Intuition Robotics actually do?
It makes ElliQ, a tabletop AI companion for older adults that starts conversations by itself (suggesting activities, reminding about medication, asking how they are) instead of waiting to be addressed like an ordinary voice assistant.
How much has Intuition Robotics raised?
In August 2023 it raised $25 million (equity and venture debt), led by Woven Capital, Toyota's growth fund.
Who pays for ElliQ for older adults?
Government bodies such as the New York State Office for the Aging give it out at no cost; in March 2026, full Medicaid coverage also began in Washington State.
When was Intuition Robotics founded, and by whom?
In 2016, by three co-founders: Itai Mendelsohn, Dor Skuler and Roy Amir. Dor Skuler serves as the company's CEO.
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