Robot AI – Solution for Japanese population problem

The robot named Airec, weighs 150 kg, can change diapers, go socks, gently support the patient to sit up, lie on his back or turn to one side. These actions help prevent skin ulcers from lying. Airec can also do some simple housework such as boiling eggs, folding clothes. However, Professor Shigeki Sugano, Waseda University, head of Airec research, said the robot is expected to be put into use in medical facilities and nursing care around 2030. The initial price is not less than 10 million yen ($ 67,000) a product. Currently this project is funded by the Government.

“Japanese society is aging quickly because of the decline in the rate of birth. We need the support of robots in medical care, the elderly and daily life,” Professor Sugano said.

Japan is the country with the oldest population in the world with a low birth rate, the population of working age is less and less and limited immigration policies. The “newborn boom” generation after the war (1947-1949) was over 75 years old at the end of 2024, worse the shortage of the shortage of elderly people.

The number of newborns in 2024 decreased in the 9th consecutive year, to a record low 720,988, according to the Japanese Ministry of Health. Nursing industry is having difficulty recruiting. The percentage of candidates on the number of empty jobs of Tokyo in December is 1/4.25, much lower than the overall rate of the whole country is 1.22.

The Japanese government is looking for foreign human resources. The number of foreign workers in the nursing industry has increased, but only about 57,000 people in 2023, accounting for less than 3% of the total labor force in this field.

“We are very difficult. In the next 10, 15 years, the situation will be very gloomy. Technology is the best opportunity for us to stop it,” said Takashi Miyamoto, director of Zenkoukai, a caring facility, shared. Zenkoukai has actively applied new technology, but the use of robots is limited.

At a facility in Tokyo, a small robot assisting medical staff by singing and instructing the elderly to exercise. One of the most practical applications today is the sensor placed under the mattress to monitor sleep status, reduce work for employees at night.

Although Tesla’s Optimus -shaped robots are being developed, Professor Sugano thinks that robots interact physical safety for humans requires higher accuracy and intelligence. Sugano, also president of the Japanese Robot Association, said that the robot -shaped robot rarely contacted people. They only do housework or some jobs in factories. When there is human appearance, problems such as safety and coordination of robot movement with each individual will arise.

“If we have a robot who captures the living conditions and personal characteristics of each person who is cared for, they can provide similar services in the future. However, I don’t think robots can understand everything about this industry. I hope robots and people can work together to improve the care service,” said Takaki Ito, a care worker at Zenkoukai.