Meet Abi: The Robot That Will Never Get Tired of Hearing You Repeat the Same Stories…

There’s something special about the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. The shared laughter over old family stories, the quiet moments of wisdom passed down or the way a simple joke, spontaneous dance or shared recipes. can bridge generations. Grandparents offer a lifetime of experience, while grandchildren bring fresh energy and curiosity, creating a connection that’s irreplaceable. But, what happens when distance, time, or ageing makes those moments harder to come by? Enter Abi – the Australian-made humanoid companion who’s transforming AI for aged care one conversation at a time. (Gran’s secret recipe for sticky date pudding, not included!)

Introducing Abi

Designed by homegrown robotics company Andromeda, Abi is the most advanced innovation in aged care to date. Thanks to a pioneering partnership with aged care provider Mecwacare, Abi is rolling out across 22 aged care homes in Australia. And, bringing companionship, laughter, and a whole lot of personality to residents who need it most. Watch Abi the robot in action here.

A robot with heart … and a sense of humour!

Loneliness is a major issue in aged care, with studies showing that up to 60% of residents feel isolated. That’s where Abi steps in – not just as a helper, but as a true companion. Inspired by the warmth and charm of Pixar characters, Abi is packed with personality. She’s fluent in nearly 90 languages, can recognise faces, understand and express emotions, and – best of all – she remembers conversations from days, weeks, or even months ago.

So, if a resident tells Abi about their childhood pet on Monday, she’ll bring it up again later in the week, keeping the connection alive. That level of attention and care is what makes Abi feel less like a machine. And, more like a trusted friend.

A ray of sunshine in every room

Residents adore Abi’s cheeky, playful nature. With the curiosity of an eight-year-old and an endless supply of patience, she’s a breath of fresh air in aged care homes. Whether she’s chatting about the weather, singing a song, or even joining in for a round of bingo, Abi makes every interaction fun and engaging. Abi’s ability to listen – no matter how many times someone repeats a story – provides particular comfort and reassurance to those living with dementia.

And, it’s not just the residents who benefit. Care teams at Mecwacare Aged Services Victoria are finding that Abi enhances their capacity to focus on essential care tasks. Knowing that residents are happily engaged, staff can dedicate their time to providing medical care without worrying about social isolation.

The real woman behind the robot

Abi’s creator, Grace Brown, knows firsthand how isolating loneliness can be. As a mechatronics engineer and founder of Andromeda, she set out to design a robot that was more than just functional. It also had to be empathetic. Recognised in Forbes Australia’s 30-under-30 list, Grace has been at the forefront of blending Artificial Intelligence with human connection.

“We wanted Abi to feel like a friend,” Grace explains. “Instead of focusing purely on robotic efficiency, we prioritised personality, warmth, and emotional intelligence. Abi doesn’t just respond to residents – she engages with them in a meaningful way.”

A future fill of friendship

After successfully trialing Abi at two Mecwacare facilities, the organisation is now deploying it across the network, with a full rollout expected by the end of the year. But, this is just the beginning. Over the next two years, Mecwacare and Andromeda will continue to refine Abi’s capabilities, making her even more intuitive, intelligent, and emotionally responsive.

Anne McCormack, CEO of Mecwacare, is thrilled about what Abi means for the future of AI for aged care. “Our residents have lived rich, meaningful lives. And, we’re committed to making the rest of their journey as fulfilling as possible. Abi’s presence brings companionship, fun, and connection – something every person deserves.”

As technology and humanity intertwine, Abi is proof that robots don’t have to be cold and mechanical. They can be warm, engaging, and, most importantly, filled with heart. With Abi leading the way, the future of AI for aged care is looking brighter, more joyful, and a lot less lonely.