China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has announced a groundbreaking initiative to test robots designed to assist the elderly, addressing the nation’s growing demographic challenge.
Detailed in an official statement, the program responds to an aging population and a critical shortage of care workers.
The ministry aims to develop at least 200 robots capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from cooking and aiding mobility to lifting and feeding elderly individuals. These robots are also designed to detect early signs of dementia and prevent falls, enhancing safety and health monitoring.
Additionally, the project includes the creation of “companion” robots equipped with communication skills, reading capabilities, and video call functions to combat loneliness among seniors.
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Participants in the trial have two years from approval to complete testing, with the initiative reflecting China’s push to integrate advanced technology into eldercare.
This move aligns with global trends, as similar efforts are underway in countries like Japan, and ideas for robotic caregiving were notably proposed by Elon Musk in 2022. As China pioneers this approach, the outcomes could set a precedent for innovative solutions to the worldwide aging crisis.
