Photo: AP
Japanese manufacturers have introduced a robot that can perform care tasks of varying complexity for the elderly. The 150-kilogram humanoid robot can change diapers, turn patients to prevent bedsores, help them sit up, put on socks, fry eggs, fold clothes and perform other household chores.
The move is an important step in solving the problem of Japan's aging population and a shortage of workers in the field of elderly care. The country is the oldest in the world: According to the Ministry of Health, the number of newborns in the country in 2024 reached a record low of 720,988, which is 5% less than the previous year.
“The elderly care sector is experiencing a severe shortage of personnel. According to government data, in December there was only one applicant for every 4.25 vacancies. We are barely surviving, and in 10-15 years the situation will be even more catastrophic,” said Takashi Miyamoto, director of the operator of elderly care facilities Zenkoukai.
Scientists believe that creating robots to care for people will require a new level of precision and intelligence.
“Humanoid robots are being developed around the world, but they rarely come into direct contact with people, mainly performing tasks in factories or at home. "Because when interacting with people, there are safety issues and problems with adapting the robot's actions to the individual needs of each person," said Shigeki Sugano, a professor at Waseda University.
The researchers plan to launch AIREC by 2030. According to modest estimates, the initial cost of such a device will start at 10 million yen (about $67,000).
Representatives of the social sphere are cautiously optimistic about the future of robots. According to experts, machines cannot yet fully replace people in such complex work.
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