NPC deputy proposes using AI to provide elderly care and support
- By Wang Yiming
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 10, 2023
Liu Qingfeng, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and chairman of iFLYTEK. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
At China's ongoing "two sessions," Liu Qingfeng, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, has proposed encouraging the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to provide security, home care, and other services for the elderly. Emphasizing the importance of leveraging intelligent methods to enhance safety for older people, Liu stressed the need to foster the development of home care robots and companion robots.
China has seen a steady rise in its aging population, prompting the government to propose taking proactive steps to address the issue and promote the development of elderly care programs and services in its latest work report. The report says the country will encourage "the development of community and at-home elderly care services by offering policy support."
In recent years, China has seen the emergence of innovative elderly care products and services that leverage mobile internet and AI technologies. These solutions have played a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of the elderly, as well as improving their quality of life. Notable examples include age-friendly mobile apps and intelligent hearing aids, among others.
Liu Qingfeng, the chairman of China's leading AI and speech technology company, iFLYTEK, proposed that technology integration to enhance the quality of life for the elderly should be included in the national development strategy. He also recommended the establishment of a special fund to support this initiative.
To assist senior citizens who live alone, Liu proposed supporting integrated research into software and hardware to develop elderly-friendly products, and promoting the development and application of intelligent care and home terminal hardware products.
For example, an AI phone robot could make scheduled calls and provide greetings, care, and health monitoring for the elderly. In abnormal situations, the robot could alert family members and community staff, whose timely assistance could help prevent accidents.
Liu advocated for robust support for home care and companion robots and recommended the introduction of robots into households as a means of ensuring a happy and healthy aging process.
Last year, iFlytek released its Robot Super Brain Platform, an integrated software and hardware robot development platform that incorporates core capabilities such as multimodal interaction, deep understanding, and motion control. The company eyes to build a robot ecosystem with developers and upstream and downstream companies.
As part of its 14th Five?Year Plan, China aims to become a global center of excellence for robotics technology innovation, advanced manufacturing, and integrated applications by 2025.
