Japan employs robots to help dementia patients as thousands go missing

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I’ve been reading about how Japan is tackling a really tough problem – a growing number of people with dementia, and sadly, a lot of elderly residents going missing. It’s amazing (and a little concerning!) to see how they’re using robots and AI tracking technology to try and help. It sounds like they’re really embracing technology to keep people safe.

As a concerned citizen, I was really shocked to learn that over 18,000 people with dementia wandered off and went missing in Japan just last year. It’s heartbreaking to think that nearly 500 of them were sadly found deceased. What’s even more worrying is that these incidents are happening twice as often as they did in 2012. With Japan’s population getting older and fewer people available to provide care, the government is now looking to technology as a way to help prevent these tragedies.

Many areas in Japan are now using GPS trackers worn by residents, which immediately notify officials if someone wanders into an unsafe zone. In some towns, these alerts are also sent to local convenience store employees, creating a neighborhood network that helps find missing people quickly – often within hours.

Robots taking over care roles in Japan

Care homes are increasingly using robots to help prevent accidents and quickly identify when residents need help. These robots, often placed under mattresses, use sensors to track sleep, movement, and any signs of distress. This allows staff to address potential problems early on and reduces the need for frequent in-person checks throughout the night, according to the BBC.

Robots designed to look and act like humans are being created to help with caregiving in the future. For example, a 150kg robot prototype called AIREC, developed by Waseda University, can already assist with simple chores like putting on socks or folding clothes. While researchers hope these robots will eventually be able to provide more advanced care, Assistant Professor Tamon Miyake estimates it will take at least five years before they can reliably and safely manage delicate situations.

I was really impressed to read about Fujitsu’s aiGait! It’s amazing how they’re using AI to analyze the way people walk – apparently, changes in gait can be an early sign of dementia. What’s really cool is that it could be used during regular checkups, giving doctors a much better chance to help people earlier on. It feels like a huge step forward in tackling dementia!

Robots designed for companionship are becoming more common, as staying connected is crucial for older adults who may not see caregivers often. One example, Poketomo, is a small, handheld device that provides reminders, weather updates, and basic conversation to help combat loneliness.

Experts emphasize that these technologies are designed to help caregivers, not take their place. With the increasing costs of dementia care, Japan is employing robots, sensors, and community-based technology to improve the safety of at-risk individuals and minimize the danger of people wandering off and getting lost.

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2025-12-08 16:19