Robots take care of the elderly in China: a new system for 300 million people

The Chinese government has launched a pilot project to improve the quality of care for the elderly and address the shortage of labor resources. According to the new initiative, robotic technologies will be introduced into the elderly care system. This was reported by the South China Morning Post, citing the country's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Civil Administration.

The main goal of the project is to facilitate the provision of services to the elderly with the help of robots and "smart" solutions, reduce the burden on family members, compensate for the shortage of nurses and caregivers, and develop general infrastructure.

According to the document, the initiative covers three areas:

- Home care - assistance in everyday life for the elderly living alone or with their families;
- Community services - support centers organized at the local level;
- Specialized institutions - services in nursing homes and centralized care facilities.

The program envisages that robots will provide not only physical assistance, but also emotional support, "smart living" solutions, and services against cognitive impairment. In particular, a special support system will be developed for those suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia.

A number of robotics companies in China have already expressed interest in the project. To participate in the project, it is required to test at least 200 robots in 200 homes or install 20 intelligent solutions in public institutions. Participants are also required to develop unified standards and evaluation criteria in this area.

The initiative is being implemented against the backdrop of rapid demographic changes in China. According to official data, by the end of 2023, the number of people over 60 in the country exceeded 300 million. According to forecasts, this figure may exceed 400 million by 2035.

In short, China is not only looking for solutions to demographic problems, but also seeks to create a humane, efficient and seamless service system for the elderly by integrating robotics and artificial intelligence into social sectors. This experience may become a global trend in the coming years.

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