Sentai: AI companionship that supports families

Continue reading or CLICK HERE to watch the full interview.

What is Sentai

Sentai is described by Peter as “a digital service designed to provide a caring presence in the home” for people living alone or with varying levels of support. It can enhance independent living for those who receive live-in care, as well as people who prefer to remain at home with remote family support. It runs through a smart speaker for the person at home and an app for families and carers. Conversations are natural and forgiving because Sentai is powered by AI that can handle ambiguity and follow up to clarify what someone means.

“You can just talk to Sentai like you talk to a person… it deals with ambiguity because it is powered by AI.”

How it works day to day

• Conversation first: Users speak naturally to set reminders, ask questions, share updates, or request help
• Helpful nudges: Gentle prompts for medication, appointments, meals, and to-dos
• Family app: Clear summaries show daily patterns and highlight anything that needs attention
• Smart actions: If a need is spotted in conversation, Sentai can add to a shopping list and notify the right family member to help

Peter gives a simple example. If a mealtime reminder reveals there is “nothing in the fridge” Sentai can identify the problem, add the missing item to the shopping list, and alert the person who handles shopping for that household.

“What people love is peace of mind… a presence in the house and the ability to alert the right person if there is a problem.”

For families arranging live-in care, these small, automatic updates mean carers can focus on personal interaction and care, while Sentai quietly manages reminders and alerts in the background.

Messaging that feels easy

Messaging is built in. A user can say “please ask Pete if he can visit on Wednesday” and Sentai will send the message to Pete through the app. When Pete replies, the smart speaker lets the user know and reads the message aloud. It feels like a simple chat rather than a technical task.

Insight without intrusion

Families often worry about technology that feels supervisory. Sentai aims to be discreet. It uses presence sensing in the home and analyses conversation for relevant goals like medication or meals. Families can configure check-ins and notifications, and different relatives can take responsibility for different tasks such as shopping or lifts to appointments. In homes with live-in carers, this adds another layer of support without feeling invasive, helping carers monitor wellbeing patterns while maintaining the person’s sense of independence.

Fits alongside live-in care

Sentai can complement live-in care. Movement sensing cannot distinguish between two people in the same room, but the companionship, reminders, quick messaging, and easy alerts still add value. It also helps when the carer steps out, since the person at home can reach family quickly through the device.

What families value most

From trials in homes and with care providers, two benefits stand out:

• Peace of mind for families who can see that someone is up, active, and fine
• A friendly voice that checks in and reduces the need for constant calls about routine tasks

When combined with live-in care, Sentai strengthens communication and continuity, ensuring both the carer and the wider family network stay informed.

Real examples from the field

• A mum uses voice messages to check in with her son in Canada without making a call
• Medication reminders and basic knowledge about current prescriptions help reduce mix-ups
• Light conversation, quizzes, and fun facts provide daily company

What is coming next

Peter shares that easy calling through the device is on the roadmap so Sentai can route voice calls when needed. The team ships monthly app updates and keeps sharpening how the companion adapts to each user’s style. Short questions get short answers. Longer chats feel natural. The goal is more user control and a companion that works on the person’s terms.

Practical takeaways

• Natural conversation reduces friction for people who do not want to use screens or complex menus
• Timely summaries help families step in early when something changes
• Clear roles mean the right person is notified whether that is shopping, lifts, or general help
• Discreet sensing plus conversation gives a fuller picture of wellbeing without feeling watched
• Works alongside live-in care to add connection, continuity, and quick alerts

Thank you and next steps

Thank you to Peter Otto, Chief Product Officer at Sentai, for joining Luca Rado on The Care Cast and sharing how conversational AI can bring reassurance and connection into everyday life, especially for those choosing live-in care as a way to remain independent and supported at home. If you would like more information on Sentai please CLICK HERE to visit the website.

The Live In Care Company

To speak to a friendly member of The Live In Care Company Team call us on 0345 025 8975