In September 2024, China took a defining step in addressing its demographic crisis: raising the retirement age. However, the challenge of an aging population has prompted more innovative measures.
Robots to tackle the demographic crisis. China faces a significant demographic challenge as its population ages rapidly. In 2023, 15.4% of the population—216.76 million people—was 65 or older. Yet, the country’s elderly care system remains inadequate, with only 8.2 million care facility beds available.
To address this, China’s State Council issued a directive prioritizing the development of humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and AI systems to support elder care. This makes China one of the first nations to formalize robotics for this purpose.
Humanoids in elderly care. China’s plan aims to establish a national elder care service network by 2029. By 2035, it envisions a “mature” system offering essential services to all seniors.
Humanoid robots will play a critical role, providing emotional companionship, health monitoring, and smart home services. Provinces like Wuhan have already developed advanced robots with features like 3D facial scanning, allowing customization to resemble relatives or younger versions of users. This personalization enhances the emotional connection between seniors and their robotic caregivers.
Local initiatives and progress. Beijing and other regions are accelerating the rollout of this technology. According to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Science and Technology’s Action Plan for the Development of Humanoid Robots by 2027, robots will assist in monitoring vital signs, preventing falls, and responding to emergencies.
Shanghai has also released its first humanoid robot governance guidelines, emphasizing risk control and international cooperation in development.
Foreign investment and workforce development. To strengthen the elder care sector, China is opening its market to foreign investment. In November 2024, it allowed the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals in nine key cities.
Addressing the severe caregiver shortage is another priority. In 2021, China had only 500,000 certified caregivers for 45 million older adults with disabilities or dementia. The plan includes enhanced professional training and higher ethical standards to make caregiving more attractive as a profession.
Challenges in a changing context. China’s aging population is a challenge mirrored in societies worldwide. The government is transforming the care sector through both technological innovation and public policy reform.
The use of humanoid robots raises ethical, safety, and trust concerns. To address these, China is implementing systems to ensure safe human-robot interactions. Authorities see this technology as a way to relieve pressure on the healthcare system, particularly in rural areas where caregiver shortages are most acute.
Looking ahead. China’s approach to using robotics in elder care builds on lessons from other nations, such as South Korea, which developed companion robots to combat loneliness among seniors. However, China’s broader integration of robotics aims to tackle both demographic and technological challenges.
By pioneering this model, China seeks to ensure dignified care for its growing elderly population and provide a roadmap for other nations grappling with similar crises. As global populations continue to age, the need for innovative solutions in elder care will only grow.
Image | Xataka On with Grok
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