Japan’s Latest AI Humanoid Designed for Elderly Support

Researchers in Tokyo have unveiled AIREC (Advanced Intelligent Robotic Entity Companion), an AI-driven humanoid robot. 

AIREC is under development in the JST Moonshot Program and its aim to assist in elderly care by performing physically demanding tasks.

• Moonshot aims to develop AI-powered smart robots with emotional interaction, capable of customer service, housework, nursing care, and medical tasks, assisting humans in homes, public facilities, and hospitals.
• A prime example is AIREC, is developed to assist in caregiving tasks like changing diapers and preventing bedsores.
• AIREC is projected to be ready by 2030 and esEstimated at $67,000 per unit.
• By 2050, Moonshot aims to develop human-like robots with circulatory systems and muscles, capable of laundry, cooking, transfers, health monitoring, and emotional communication for comfort.

The JST Moonshot Program is an initiative of the Japanese government aimed at pioneering technological advancements, especially in AI and robotics.

Initiated by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), it seeks to develop human-supportive AI intelligent robots, and medical innovations by 2050.

Before AIREC, Japan introduced Robear, a bipedal humanoid robot developed by the RIKEN-TRIANGLE research group, designed to assist the elderly and disabled with daily tasks.

Japan continues to lead in humanoid robotics, integrating AI to improve elderly care and household support, paving the way for a human-robot symbiotic society.

AIREC, developed under Japan’s JST Moonshot Program, aims to assist in elderly care with tasks like diaper changing and bedsore prevention.

Expected by 2030, it’s estimated at $67,000 per unit, with future advancements targeting human-like capabilities by 2050.