In a groundbreaking move, China has spearheaded the development of a global standard for elderly-care robots through the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This initiative aims to ensure the healthy growth of the elderly-care robotics industry worldwide.
The newly released standard, championed by China, sets comprehensive technical benchmarks for the design, manufacturing, testing, and certification of elderly-care robots. According to a statement from the State Administration for Market Regulation, the standard addresses critical aspects such as accessibility, reliability, energy efficiency, and noise control to meet the diverse needs of elderly users in their daily lives and healthcare.
Beyond the foundational technical requirements, the standard also outlines essential protocols for health monitoring services, communication support, activity assistance, and robust information and data management. These guidelines are expected to guide manufacturers in creating robots that are not only effective but also attuned to the unique characteristics and needs of the elderly population.
China's initiative comes at a pivotal time as the nation grapples with a rapidly aging population. Recent data reveals that by the end of 2024, there will be 310 million individuals aged 60 and above in China, making up 22 percent of the total population. Projections indicate that this figure will rise to 30 percent by 2035, with the elderly population surpassing 400 million.
To address the challenges posed by this demographic shift, China has implemented policies to promote the development of smart elderly care. The introduction of the IEC standard is a strategic step towards fostering innovation and quality in elderly-care robotics, positioning China as a leader in this emerging field and paving the way for new growth drivers in the industry.
Reference(s):
China leads global effort with int'l standard for elderly-care robots
cgtn.com
