Key points from article :
Japan is facing a growing elderly population and a severe shortage of aged-care workers, prompting researchers to explore AI-driven robots as a solution. One such innovation is AIREC, a 150-kg humanoid robot designed to assist with caregiving tasks like repositioning bedridden patients, dressing them, and even cooking. Developed by Waseda University with government funding, AIREC represents a potential future where robots help alleviate the burden on human caregivers.
The need for such technology is urgent. Japan’s "baby boomer" generation has now entered the late-stage elderly category (75+ years old), exacerbating the demand for aged care. Meanwhile, birth rates continue to decline, with only 720,988 babies born in 2024, a record low. The nursing sector struggles to fill positions, with just one applicant for every 4.25 jobs, far worse than Japan’s overall job market.
While Japan has increased the number of foreign workers in elderly care, they still make up less than 3% of the workforce. As a result, technology is seen as a crucial solution. Some nursing homes already use small robots for entertainment and sleep sensors to monitor residents' well-being. However, fully functional humanoid robots like AIREC require advanced intelligence and safety features before they can work directly with humans. Experts estimate that such robots won’t be widely available until 2030, with an initial price of $67,000.
Despite the promise of AI caregivers, professionals remain cautious. While robots can assist with physical tasks, human caregivers provide emotional and personalized care that machines cannot fully replicate. The future of elderly care in Japan may lie in a collaboration between humans and robots, combining technology with compassion to meet the needs of an ageing society.
