China opens first robotic care centre for seniors

Beijing E-Town has opened an intelligent robotic station for elderly care. The facility in Beijing’s Ronghua sub-district is billed as the first of its kind in the world and operates as a community care centre, Dawn reported.

The project has been developed in an area with a significant proportion of elderly residents. About 13,000 people aged 60 and over live in Ronghua, accounting for more than one-fifth of the population, with the share rising to as much as 35 per cent in some communities.

The four-storey facility offers more than 40 robotic products from 24 companies. It combines dining, rehabilitation and adult day services and includes a model home for seniors as well as a child care area. The centre has already attracted a steady stream of visitors since opening.

According to therapist Wang Hongshu, a smart robot helps relieve muscle tension and improve blood circulation, and more than a dozen seniors have already used it. Visitors have also been able to try a robotic dog and automated cooking and food delivery systems.

The station is expected to receive more than 300 visitors a day. The operator plans to organise interactive events.

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