To address demographic challenges, China has announced the inclusion of robots in elderly care services. The announcement by the Chinese State Council is part of the country’s policy measures aimed at integrating advanced technologies into elderly care, the South China Morning Post reports. The guidelines, issued on December 30, 2024, emphasize the development of brain-computer robots and the inclusion of personalized artificial intelligence for elderly care.
China aims to establish a comprehensive national network of elderly care services by 2029, and by 2035, the country is expected to provide all elderly people with access to basic services through a well-developed care system that effectively responds to the needs of an increasingly aging population. China therefore plans to make robots the best choice for these elderly needs. By the end of 2023, China had more than 216.76 million citizens aged 65 and above, accounting for 15.4 percent of the total population.
This demographic shift highlights the critical need for innovative care solutions given the limited capacity of only 8.2 million elderly care beds nationwide. The Chinese government is not only integrating robots with advanced interaction capabilities into the care sector, but is also developing home systems to improve the safety and quality of life of the elderly. These robots are increasingly being used for emotional companionship, health monitoring, and assistance in smart home services.