The Waseda University, in Japan, is developing AIREC robots with artificial intelligence, to take care of elderly population.
AIREC is the abbreviation of AI-driven Robot for Embrace and Care.
Source: Technology.org
In a Tokyo lab, the AIREC robot quietly demonstrates what the future of caregiving could look like. The 150-kg humanoid machine leans over a patient, placing one hand on the knee and the other on the shoulder, carefully rolling the person onto their side—a vital maneuver to prevent bedsores or assist with diaper changes. Developed at Waseda University, AIREC represents a new wave of AI robots designed to support Japan’s strained healthcare system.
Japan’s demographic crisis is no longer looming—it’s here. The nation’s baby boomer generation, born between 1947 and 1949, has all reached at least 75 years old as of 2024, driving an urgent need for aged care workers. Yet the sector struggles to attract staff, with more than four job openings for every applicant, far outpacing the country’s overall job vacancy rate. While foreign workers have become a small but growing part of the care workforce, they account for less than 3% of the sector—a fraction too small to bridge the gap.
The pressure is pushing care providers to explore technological solutions. Zenkoukai, a nursing home operator, has welcomed robots into its facilities, though their roles remain modest for now. Doll-sized robots entertain residents with songs and exercises, while sleep-monitoring sensors under mattresses free up human staff from nighttime rounds. Yet the promise of humanoid robots like AIREC lies in their ability to offer hands-on care—something few machines have mastered.
Creating robots capable of physical interaction with humans demands precision and advanced intelligence. While companies like Tesla work on general-purpose humanoid robots, caregiving robots must navigate complex safety challenges and adapt to the unique needs of each individual. AIREC can already assist with dressing, cooking simple meals, and folding laundry—but it won’t be ready for nursing homes until around 2030, with a hefty price tag of roughly $67,000.
Despite the hurdles, care workers like Takaki Ito are hopeful about the partnership between humans and machines. Robots may never fully grasp the emotional nuances of caregiving, but by handling routine tasks, they could free up human caregivers to focus on the compassionate, personal side of the job.
