In Tokyo, the sight of a 150kg AI-driven humanoid robot gently rolling a man onto his side signaled a potential future for Japan’s aged-care sector. Named Airec, this prototype caregiver is designed to address Japan’s aging population and the chronic shortage of aged-care workers.
“Given our highly advanced aging society and declining births, we will be needing robots’ support for medical and elderly care, and in our daily lives,” said Dr. Shigeki Sugano, a Waseda University professor leading Airec’s research with government funding. Japan’s “baby boomer” generation, born between 1947 and 1949, turned at least 75 by the end of 2024, intensifying the shortage of aged-care workers.
In 2024, Japan saw a record low of 720,988 births, continuing a nine-year decline. The nursing sector faced a dire situation with only one applicant for every 4.25 jobs in December, far worse than the overall jobs-to-applicants ratio of 1.22.
Technology is seen as a vital solution. Zenkoukai, an elderly-care facility operator, has embraced new technologies. At one Tokyo facility, a robot leads residents in exercises while human caretakers attend to other tasks. Sleep sensors under mattresses monitor residents’ conditions, reducing the need for night rounds.
Dr. Sugano highlighted the complexities of developing humanoid robots that can safely interact with humans, citing the need for precision and intelligence. Airec, capable of assisting with daily tasks like cooking and laundry, is not expected to be ready until 2030 and will cost no less than 10 million yen initially.
While Mr. Takaki Ito, a Zenkoukai care worker, is optimistic about robotic nursing, he acknowledges the limitations. “Robots and humans working together to improve nursing care is a future I am hoping for,” he said.
As Japan grapples with its aging population and workforce shortages, Airec and similar technologies represent hope for the future of elderly care.