Japan’s population is aging faster than anywhere else. Nearly 30% of people are over 65, second only to Monaco. Last year, more than 18,000 people with dementia went missing, and almost 500 were found dead. These cases have doubled since 2012.
With fewer young workers and limits on foreign caregivers, the demand for care is rising. Health care costs are expected to reach 9 trillion yen in 2025 and could climb to 14 trillion yen, or 90 billion US dollars, by 2030.
Japan is resorting to technology to help resolve this crisis, not to replace people, but to assist. Already in use: GPS wristwatches and community alerts help notify convenience stores right away if someone goes missing. Fujitsu’s aiGait uses artificial intelligence to spot early signs of dementia by analyzing walking patterns. Mattress sensors that detect movement at night. Exercise and music playing with robots that play music and encourage exercise, offering companionship. Meanwhile, researchers at Waseda University are developing AIREC, a 150 kg humanoid robot designed to be a “future” caregiver. It will be able to prepare eggs, wash clothes, and, gradually, prepare diapers and avoid bedsores for the elderly, it will take at least 5 years before it is safe to operate every day.
Poketomo, from Sharp, is a small robot that reminds people to take their medicine, checks the weather, and chats to help ease loneliness.
Scientists agree that robots are meant to support, not replace, human caregivers. Ken Orders in Tokyo employs people with dementia as waiters. Orders can be false—the smile is true. It provides patients with a sense of direction and relief for families.
Technology can monitor, remind, and assist, but nothing can replace the human touch.
Japan is creating these tools, but the heart has always been present.
