In a demonstration of Japan’s push for AI-driven elderly care, a humanoid robot named AIREC was recently tested for nursing assistance. The 150-kg robot gently rolled a man onto his side, showcasing its ability to assist in tasks like changing diapers and preventing bedsores—essential functions in caregiving.
Developed at Waseda University under government funding, AIREC is a response to Japan’s aging population and worsening shortage of aged-care workers. “With our rapidly aging society and declining birth rate, robots will be essential in medical and elderly care,” said Shigeki Sugano, lead researcher and president of the Robotics Society of Japan, in a Reuters report.
Japan faces a growing elderly population, with its post-war baby boomer generation now aged 75 and older. Meanwhile, the nursing sector struggles to attract workers, with only one applicant for every 4.25 jobs available as of December 2024. While foreign workers have increased, they remain a small fraction of the workforce.
Care facilities have begun integrating technology, such as AI-powered sleep sensors and small robots for entertainment, but hands-on robotic assistance remains limited. AIREC, capable of helping patients sit up, wear socks, and perform household tasks, is expected to be available in medical settings by 2030, with an initial price tag of around 10 million yen ($67,000 or P3.89 million).
Despite advancements, experts believe robots alone cannot replace human caregivers. “If AI-equipped robots can understand personal conditions, they could directly assist in care. But true nursing requires a human touch,” said Takaki Ito, a care worker at a Tokyo facility.
