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Those practical questions are a useful starting point for understanding the growing conversation around artificial intelligence and robotics.
For families across Greater St. Louis, the question is personal: could these technologies eventually help older adults remain independent—and what should we understand before welcoming them into our homes?
The future of caregiving
Start with the person who will use it.
Let everyday needs lead the conversation
An impressive demonstration doesn’t tell us whether a device belongs in someone’s daily life. A useful tool should address a need that the older adult identifies, feel comfortable to use, and respect their choices. A family might begin by asking: “What would you like help with?” The answer may point toward a simple tool, a home adjustment, additional human support—or technology worth investigating.
Listen to older adults’ preferences
Research involving interviews with older adults found a preference for physical assistance over social and personal-care support from robots, alongside a desire to retain control. Individual needs and boundaries varied. That’s a reminder to include older adults in the decision from the beginning.
Source: Older Adults’ Task Preferences for Robot Assistance in the Home ↗What Faraday Future brings to the conversation
Faraday Future’s online store features several robot product lines, including Futurist, Master, Aegis, and Navi. The company describes its approach as “embodied AI”—artificial intelligence operating through physical robots—and its storefront emphasizes education, research, and development applications. That makes it relevant to a conversation about where robotics is heading. It does not, by itself, establish that a particular model is ready to provide care in an older adult’s home.
Source: Faraday Future robotics store — manufacturer information ↗Separate possibilities from verified capabilities
Senior Guide STL has not independently tested these products. We have not verified their suitability for personal care, medication management, emergency response, or unsupervised use around vulnerable adults. Those capabilities require specific evidence; a general description of an AI robot is not enough.
Before bringing technology home
Five questions families should ask.
- What can it do today? Request a demonstration of the exact model and feature you would use. Separate included capabilities from optional services and future plans.
- How much help does it need? Ask who handles setup, charging, updates, troubleshooting, and supervision.
- What happens when something fails? Understand what remains available during an internet outage or malfunction, and who provides support.
- What does it record? Ask about cameras, microphones, stored conversations, remote access, and how information can be deleted.
- What is the full cost? Include subscriptions, accessories, repairs, delivery, training, and return fees—not just the purchase price.
Greater St. Louis considerations
Make the guidance local.
- Keep human connection at the center. Our editorial view is that caregiving technology should support the life a person wants to live. Convenience matters, but so do dignity, choice, relationships, and the ability to ask a trusted person for help.
- For a St. Louis family exploring these options, start with one everyday challenge. Discuss it together, consider the available alternatives, and ask whether technology would actually make that situation easier.
- For any proposed hands-on care task, involve the person’s care team before relying on a device. There is room to be curious about what comes next while remaining thoughtful about what a family needs today.
Authoritative sources
Continue your research.
- Older Adults’ Task Preferences for Robot Assistance in the Home — Ajaykumar and Huang (2023)
- Faraday Future robotics store — manufacturer information
Senior Guide STL provides educational information and does not replace individualized medical, legal, financial, tax, insurance, or care advice.
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