KHOU 11 Visits ELARA, With Older Adults at the Center

KHOU 11 visited the Mamie George Community Center to hear about ELARA's companion robot research and meet older adults taking part. Chorong Park shared the September 3, 2026, interview with reporter Amanda Henderson as a behind-the-scenes look at the work. [1]

Two people sit facing each other during a filmed interview at a community center. Original LinkedIn image 1 of 7.

A wide view of cameras, lights, and a seated community-center interview. Original LinkedIn image 2 of 7.

For Park, the most meaningful part was listening. Participants' questions and reactions help the team understand what feels welcoming, useful, confusing, or intrusive when a robot enters an everyday setting. [1]

A camera operator films an interview with a seated community participant. Original LinkedIn image 3 of 7.

Kelly Schafler's University of Houston reporting describes older adults working with students to evaluate existing robots and model ideas for future designs. Their input is helping inform a new robot still in development. [2]

Community members sit around tables facing a presentation screen. Original LinkedIn image 4 of 7.

A presenter stands behind an ELARA Lab table displaying companion robots. Original LinkedIn image 5 of 7.

That makes community engagement part of the research itself, not simply a way to explain it afterward. Park's goal is assistance that supports choice and connection without replacing human relationships. [1]

A camera operator films participants at a community-center table. Original LinkedIn image 6 of 7.

She thanked community members, students, and collaborators for shaping the work. At the time of the post, the television segment was expected near the end of September; the update documented filming ahead of that planned coverage. [1]

A community participant smiles while holding a small furry companion robot. Original LinkedIn image 7 of 7.

Sources

Adapted from Chorong Park's LinkedIn post. LinkedIn images are presented in their original order.