Beijing Launches World's First Robot Eldercare Center

Beijing has officially launched the world’s first smart elderly care center, uniquely utilizing robotics and artificial intelligence for health monitoring and rehabilitation. Situated in a tranquil neighborhood within the Beijing Economic Technological Development Area, this innovative four-story facility aims to improve the quality of life for the aging population while showcasing practical applications of advanced technology.

During a recent group interview, the Global Times observed numerous local residents enjoying meals and leisure activities at the center, which serves roughly 300 customers daily. The facility integrates three primary functions: basic care services, robotic applications, and age-friendly technology, embodying a comprehensive approach that blends technology with elder care.

Spanning approximately 1,100 square meters, the center features over 40 robotic products developed by 24 different companies. This convergence creates a live test site for China's burgeoning robotics industry, particularly within the eldercare sector. Daily routines are enhanced by robotic systems, with smart ordering options on the ground floor, where cooking robots prepare meals and delivery robots assist with serving.

The second floor houses a childcare area that employs companion and educational robots for infants, promoting a unique cross-generational service model. Meanwhile, on the third floor, the operational core of the center integrates rehabilitation, health monitoring, and daily care, featuring massage and moxibustion robots designed for therapeutic treatments.

Xia Jing, CEO of Beijing VISION SEEK Artificial Intelligence Technology Co., shared insights on their traditional Chinese medicine massage robot deployed at the center. The robot is programmed with a database of acupuncture points and employs machine learning to mimic therapists' techniques, offering a variety of treatment programs tailored to individual needs.

Such technology has undergone extensive testing, ensuring safety and efficacy, with sessions lasting between 20 and 30 minutes. A noteworthy addition is the non-contact AI health monitoring system developed by YAOYAN AI, which assesses facial blood flow to derive over 50 health indicators, supporting early screening for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Zhang Zhixiang, chairman of YAOYAN AI, emphasized the tool’s importance as a preliminary screening option with an accuracy rate exceeding 85 percent. Although not a substitute for clinical diagnosis, it serves as an effective health assessment tool suitable for various environments, including factories and schools.

Health advisor Professor Jing Huiquan from Capital Medical University praised the transformative potential of integrating technology into elder care. She highlighted the essential role that human oversight plays in caregiving, noting that certain adjustments, such as ensuring comfort during treatment, require a human touch.

Since its opening, the center's impact has been significant, with residents expressing appreciation for services like the smart dining system. The variety of activities available, from robotic exercise coaching to health lectures, has contributed positively to both physical and mental well-being.

The center operates on a mixed pricing model, offering basic services at no charge while charging for advanced therapies. This model enhances accessibility, aligning with the region's broader industrial vision to establish numerous benchmark smart complexes by 2027, significantly boosting the local robotics and AI sectors.

Looking forward, the center plans to explore a rental model for expensive technologies, like exoskeletons, allowing residents to test products before full adoption. Collaborations with emerging humanoid robot stores aim to refine offerings through real-world feedback, ensuring that innovations genuinely meet user needs.