South Korea to launch AI-powered round-the-clock eldercare program in 2028

Facing a projected shortage of 990,000 care workers by 2043, South Korea announces plans to launch a round-the-clock, AI-powered eldercare program in 2028. The initiative integrates companion robots, smart diapers, and motion sensors to assist human care workers. Pilot programs will begin in 2027 across 400 households and public facilities. Meanwhile, Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries unveils its own dog-shaped eldercare robot, Home Leo, aiming for a 2028 release.

Integration of technology into welfare services

• ▪South Korea plans to gradually expand smart-home and smart-facility eldercare services in the public sector starting in 2028.
• ▪The South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on October 6, 2026, a plan to integrate artificial intelligence, internet of things technology, and robots into welfare services.

AI for welfare administration

• ▪The South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare aims to automate over 50 percent of routine administrative work for welfare officials by 2028.
• ▪South Korea plans to introduce a generative artificial intelligence system by 2027 to recommend welfare programs to users based on everyday language descriptions.

Addressing the care worker shortage

• ▪South Korea plans to use artificial intelligence and robots to address a projected shortage of nearly 1 million care workers in the coming decades.
• ▪Projections from the Korea Development Institute and the Bank of Korea indicate that South Korea could face a shortage of 990,000 care workers by 2043.

Development of the Home Leo robot

• ▪Kawasaki Heavy Industries plans to equip its Home Leo robot with functions to alert family members or care professionals about falls, health changes, or fire hazards.
• ▪Kawasaki Heavy Industries aims to launch the Home Leo robot in fiscal year 2028 to assist elderly people with daily activities and companionship.
• ▪Kawasaki Heavy Industries unveiled a prototype of a dog-shaped social robot named Home Leo on October 6, 2026, designed to assist older people.

Monitoring and sensor technology in eldercare

• ▪South Korea's eldercare plan includes using smart diapers, fall sensors, and motion sensors at care facilities to reduce repetitive checks for staff.
• ▪South Korea's planned artificial intelligence systems will monitor elderly users' daily routines, health conditions, and conversations around the clock to detect early signs of trouble.

Eldercare pilot programs in 2027

• ▪South Korean public long-term care facilities and community welfare centers are scheduled to begin piloting care robots and technology-assisted services in 2027.
• ▪South Korea will launch eldercare pilot programs in 2027 in over 400 households across Seongnam, Mokpo, and Yeongam, alongside AI welfare consultation trials in 10 regions.

Legal and ethical safeguards for AI

• ▪South Korea's eldercare road map requires personal data protection and systems to monitor artificial intelligence errors and performance.
• ▪South Korea's eldercare road map calls for legal and ethical safeguards, including human oversight and the right to request explanations.

Debatable claims

• ▪AI and robots are an effective solution to South Korea's eldercare worker shortage
• ▪Round-the-clock AI monitoring of elderly citizens is justified
• ▪AI companion robots do more harm than good for elderly people
• ▪Smart sensors in care facilities reduce the quality of eldercare