Japan Adds AIREC Robots to Elder Care

Japan’s population is aging rapidly, with more than 28% of citizens now aged 65 or older. At the same time, public care facilities are struggling with a lack of caregivers. These two factors are putting pressure on the country’s ability to provide stable and safe care. In response, the Japanese government has started introducing technological support, including robots, to ease the strain on public services.

AIREC and the Government’s Role

One of the technologies now entering public use is AIREC, a robot developed by Waseda University. AIREC is designed to assist with physical support tasks, like lifting and moving residents, reducing the physical load on caregivers. Its development and testing were supported by government funding, as part of a national effort to use technology in healthcare. The government also established safety and usage guidelines for robots in public care settings, ensuring proper integration.

Technology Supporting Daily Care in Facilities

Robots like AIREC are now being used in public institutions alongside staff. They do not replace workers but help manage daily tasks more safely and efficiently. Other robots, such as Paro for therapy and Pepper for communication, are also being used. Their deployment reflects a government-led strategy to adapt care services to a changing society and workforce.