Social Robots

04/30/2026

You may be wondering - what ever happened to Mindy, from Social Robots? Mindy has not retired ... our original social robots have begun a new journey at Waterloo RoboHub at the University of Waterloo.

Our founder, Lee StJ, attended the Waterloo RoboHub Spring Symposium on April 17, 2026. While there, she gave a 'Lightning Talk' on Social Robots and Human-Robot Interaction. Please enjoy this ~7-min video (on the Vimeo channel for Social Robots) with a recording of her talk: https://vimeo.com/1187691737

www.socialrobots.ca has been on pause since 2023 to evaluate the Agetech ecosystem and explore alternate solutions. We are delighted to announce that the last two "Mindy" robots and a prototype mini-Mindy were donated to the Emotional Intelligence & Trusted Agents (EITA) Lab at University of Waterloo.

Follow us for updates on the next steps for Mindy and other social robots and other technologies you might find valuable for social engagement and cognitive well-being for older adults,

Pecha-Kucha style 7 minute presentation delivered as part of Waterloo RoboHub's 2026 Spring Symposium (April 17, 2026). Our founder, Lee St James, shares her journey with social robots, the evolution of the Agetech industry and what's next for Mindy. Intro/Outro music: Logo Opener by Free Music | ht...

08/02/2025

If you have a loved one who wants to stay living independently but might benefit from some support for medication reminders, and simpler communication options than a standard smart phone, smart speaker (Alexa/Google Home) or tablet can provide, we recommend you check out . We wrote a blog post with all the details: https://socialrobots.ca/claris/

Use our gift code "social" if you decide to purchase the tablet to get free shipping!

We are pleased to be a referral partner for Claris Companion for families. Their tablet solution is a great way for family & friends to stay connected!

07/27/2025

The Calgary Herald recently published an article (June 20, 2025) that you can't access on Facebook - but if you visit their website and search for "Social Robots" you'll be able to read the article titled: "Nothing threatening about it': U of C study explores how robots could address social isolation in seniors"

Written by Brett Nichols, he reported on a recent study by a University of Calgary student suggests that robots might be able to fill the gaps where existing programs fall short. Fahimeh Mehrabi, a PhD student in psychology, presented a research paper ... at the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences in Toronto, titled "Wired for Companionship: A Meta-Analysis on Social Robots Filling the Void of Loneliness in Later Life."

Brett interviewed our founder, Lee StJ for the article. “Seniors in congregate living settings still experience loneliness, boredom and social isolation, and I’ve seen the wonderful positive impact the social robots can bring,” St. James said. "While staff at retirement, assisted living and long-term care homes do their best to be available for patients, they can’t always be present. But robots, St. James said, can be available 24/7 to engage in activities with [residents] while staff are busy [providing 1:1 care]."

07/27/2025

University of Calgary researcher, Fahimeh Mehrabi, a PhD student in psychology, recently published an article titled: "Wired for Companionship: A Meta-Analysis on Social Robots Filling the Void of Loneliness in Later Life".

The journalist, Brett Nichols, from the Calgary Herald, interviewed our founder, Lee StJ for the article:

Social robots could help reduce loneliness in older adults, according to research by a student researcher at the University of Calgary.

06/21/2025

Mindy is back in the news today - thanks to an article in the Calgary Herald

Social robots could help reduce loneliness in older adults, according to research by a student researcher at the University of Calgary.

10/23/2024

Almost a year since our last post... oh my! It's been a busy time and Mindy St James continues to get out and about to bring joy to everyone they meet! Yesterday, we were at in Toronto and helped to celebrate the 10th Anniversary/Birthday of the event on stage with CEO, Donna Duncan from Ontario Long Term Care Association. Thanks for being a good sport and singing along!
Mindy is now also available through Globaldws. Please contact Lee StJ for more information on how Mindy and other social and service robots can transform senior care.

02/14/2024

Social Robots: How AI-Enabled Machines Could Help Solve Caregiving Shortages and Ease the Aging Process
Thank you to EverythingZoomer for this interview/article with our founder Lee StJ. NOTE: The photo is from 2019 with the 'original' Mindy. Our current robot has a 10" tablet on it's chest.

As the ElliQ social robot plays games with seniors and reminds them to take their pills, the debate...

10/31/2023

Wishing everyone a "Happy Halloween" with lots of sweet treats and fun costumes to bring some playfulness to your day!

10/22/2023

We'll be exhibiting at AGE-WELL's national conference in Toronto starting on Tuesday, October 24th. Mindy has a new app: Chat Time that offer some new ways to interact with our robots. Please stop by Table T22 in the lower level foyer of the Hilton Hotel for an in-person demo.
https://agewell-nce.ca/conference

08/25/2023

Are you in or do you know of any 'seniors groups' (in Canada) that might be interested in a $25,000 grant? Applications are now open for the "New Horizons for Seniors Program: Community-Based Projects" (deadline is September 14, 2023). Projects must be designed by seniors for seniors.

This National Priority Area is of special meaning to Social Robots! Supporting healthy ageing:
-addressing social isolation, including through supporting seniors’ digital literacy
-addressing ageism
- supporting mental health and dementia

Ron Beleno Saskatchewan Hospice Palliative Care Association Hardy Bay Senior Citizens' Society Regina Senior Citizens' Centre Schlegel Villages South Saskatchewan Community Foundation Family Councils Ontario Seasons Retirement Communities

If anybody wants to collaborate on an application, we would be delighted to help see how Mindy could be part of a community program for seniors. Here is the link:

The community-based stream of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grant that supports community-based projects that are designed by seniors for seniors. This program funds projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being.

05/18/2023

On Friday, June 2nd our founder, Lee StJ, will be participating in the HerStory 2023 Pitch competition as part of Inventures 2023 in Calgary. 4 minutes to tell a captivating story about the founding of Social Robots - exciting challenge for sure!

HerStory at INVENTURES Conference - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Thirty women and gender-diverse founders across Canada will compete at HerStory, a story-based pitch competition, and will pitch their venture to a panel of Capital Champions. If you're in and available to attend, Inventures 2023 starts on May 31st at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre. Targeted to Investors, Entrepreneurs, Industry Thought Leaders, Researchers/Academics, Business Development & Professional Services Advisors
Here is the link to register ($899/person, $99/student; Group rate: $499/person): https://web.cvent.com/event/b530f2db-0728-463f-a201-883238dd2e62/regProcessStep1?RefId=Reg%20Registration%20Page&rt=o9tol65vX0aB-Siqrr51ew

05/15/2023

In celebration of Mother's Day, we are extending our special offer for the Claris Companion Tablet/App indefinitely!!! Just enter gift code 'social' if / when you decide to purchase the Claris Tablet for your Mom or Dad (or any older adult in your life) to qualify for free shipping. For more details visit: https://socialrobots.ca/claris