Robotic pets are stepping off the big screen and into the homes and lives of elderly people, where studies worldwide are showing real benefits to their use.

Assistive technology has been a feature of human life since someone thought of using a stick to help himself or herself get around a little better. These days obviously, it’s gone way, way beyond that.

In fact, while it’s easy to think of assistive products like wheelchair ramps, adapted vehicles, grab bars, and easy-to-open door handles, there’s a whole new world of digital possibilities that can help people modify their homes to “age in place.”