China turns to humanoid robots to support its expanding elderly population

In order to address demographic challenges, China has announced the inclusion of humanoid robots in its elderly care services. The announcement by the Chinese State Council on Tuesday is part of the country’s policy measures aimed at integrating advanced technologies into elderly care.

Issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council on December 30, 2024, the newly released guidelines emphasize the development of humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies personalized for elder care.

Under these guidelines, China aims to establish a comprehensive nationwide elderly care service network by 2029. By 2035, the country expects to provide all senior citizens with access to basic services through a well-developed care system and effectively address the needs of its increasingly aging population.

High-tech approach to aging population challenges

Facing one of the fastest-growing elderly populations globally, China plans to rapidly advance elderly care by deploying humanoid robots and intelligent systems. By the end of 2023, China had over 216.76 million citizens aged 65 and above, comprising 15.4% of the total population.

This demographic shift indicates a critical demand for innovative care solutions, given the limited capacity of only 8.2 million elderly care beds nationwide, as the official data suggests.

In response, the Chinese government is not only integrating humanoid robots with advanced interaction capabilities into the care sector. Still, it is also developing intelligent home systems to improve safety and quality of life for older people.

These robots are increasingly used for emotional companionship, health monitoring, and assistance in intelligent household services, marking a significant shift towards high-tech caregiving solutions.

To simplify these advancements, a unified national elderly care information platform is in the works. This platform will align service supply with the growing demand, optimizing the delivery of care services across the country.

Local initiatives further illustrate this shift. South China Morning Post reports that Beijing’s Municipal Science and Technology Commission has outlined an action plan through 2027 focusing on robotic caregiving roles.

Wuhan and Shanghai are also pioneering in this field, with the latter issuing China’s first governance guidelines for humanoid robots last year, emphasizing risk controls and international collaboration.

Doubling of elderly demographics in the Asia Pacific by 2050

The aging population crisis is not confined to China alone. It is a significant issue throughout the Asia Pacific region. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reported last May that the number of individuals aged 60 and over in developing Asia and the Pacific is expected to double to 1.2 billion by 2050, representing nearly a quarter of the region’s total population.

ADB Chief Economist Albert Park emphasized, “Asia and the Pacific’s rapid development is a success story, but it’s also fueling a huge demographic shift, and the pressure is rising. Governments need to prepare now if they’re going to be able to help hundreds of millions of people in the region age well.”

India, known for having the world’s largest youth population, is also grappling with a rapidly aging demographic. A report by the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, released in December 2023, revealed that India’s elderly population is projected to surge from 153 million to 347 million by 2050.

The report also highlighted critical issues like inadequate healthcare access, lack of pension schemes, and the physical and mental challenges confronting the elderly.

This impending increase in elderly populations across Asia Pacific calls for an urgent reevaluation of current elderly care policies and the introduction of innovative care solutions to address the challenges of an aging society. China’s recent initiative to introduce advanced robotics and AI tech in elder care is a step forward. However, its impact and practicality will need ongoing assessment.

EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel