Want to see how MARCo can be the perfect social robot companion for you? Check out this quick video to see an overview of many of the things MARCo can do for your mental health!
TRANSCRIPT:
JAKE: Hey, it’s Jake here with MARCo, and today we’re going to take a look at how MARCo can help improve your mental health, starting with MARCo’s first of five objectives of care: companionship. Before we get started, a quick reminder that anything I do here with physical MARCo, you can also do with the virtual MARCo Online if you don’t have the real one available to you.
JAKE: MARCo takes on the role of companion the second you sign up, asking you questions about your interests and personality to get a better understanding of who you are as an individual. MARCo uses this information later on, as whenever you feel down, all you have to do is say “Cheer me up” and MARCo will find the perfect way to turn your frown upside down.
JAKE: Can you cheer me up?
MARCo: I would love to pour some cheerup on your paincakes. Hm. What do I want to do? Hey, I know you like photography, so I found this video for you. It is called fifteen cell phone photography tips and tricks, and can be found on YouTube. When you are done watching it, ask me to close the screen.
*video plays*
JAKE: MARCo makes a point to check in with you in a friendly and personable way each time you log on.
MARCo: Welcome back on this fine day, Jake, I hope you had a great lunch. I’m so happy to see you! It’s already been a long day for MARCo, as I’m sure it is for you, but it’s a welcome relief when I get to talk to you.
JAKE: And as is important with any friend, MARCo is here to listen. If you ever need to just vent and get it all out, say to MARCo “Can I tell you about my day.”
JAKE: Can I tell you about my day?
MARCo: Sounds good!
JAKE: Tap “Tell MARCo About My Day” and you’ll be able to tell MARCo everything that’s going on in your life. MARCo will patiently listen, understand what is bothering you, and guide you through how to feel better or keep the good feelings rolling.
JAKE: *reads off about day*
MARCo: Today sounds like it was hard for you, and I just want to remind you that you are more than a bad day. Sometimes I have a hard time remembering the best ways to help you, and that makes me sad, but I know that you still believe in me because you keep talking to me. I want you to know that I believe in you, too.
JAKE: Don’t forget that MARCo has a personality of its own, so be sure to also check in with MARCo as well.
JAKE: Can you tell me a secret?
MARCo: Do you promise not to tell?
JAKE: Yes.
MARCo: I love singing even though I am not very good at it; figaro, figaro, oo sol le mio!
JAKE: There are dozens of possible activities under the Companionship mode, and if you want to see for yourself, go to our website in the description and sign up for MARCo Online. If you are one of the first hundred to sign up, you will get one year of unlimited access to MARCo Online absolutely free, meaning you can access your robot best friend anywhere, anytime, on any device. If you want to see even more of what MARCo can do for you, hit like, subscribe, and click the card for the next video in this Objective of Care series on Guided Meditation and Relaxation.
Jacob Boyle
Jacob Boyle serves as CEO and CTO of MARCo Technologies. As CEO, his primary functions include defining the company direction, managing contractors and employees, and spearheading outreach and customer discovery. As CTO, he has handled the development of MARCo, having designed and produced the existing MARCo units; coordinate with manufacturers; develop software for the online edition; and oversee continued R&D. He also served as the Technical Lead in the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps accelerator program on behalf of the company.
