Faced with a rapidly aging population, Japan is turning to new solutions for a many-faceted problem. Amid a low birthrate, more than one-fifth of Japanese are now 70 or older, according to government data. Meanwhile, there are not enough people to care for this cohort. By 2025, there will be a shortfall of 340,000 nursing care workers. Under the Abe administration, Japan has actively welcomed foreign professionals as one measure to address this issue. Japan is also embracing a high-tech approach to social problems. In transitioning to Society 5.0, in which ubiquitous sensors will gather information about the world for computer analysis, the government is working with stakeholders to ensure that the Fourth Industrial Revolution produces a high-tech, human-centered society. Meanwhile, Japanese companies are also taking up the challenge with innovative solutions. Panasonic sells robotic beds that convert into wheelchairs. Fujitsu has created a remote monitoring system to track temperature and humidity as well as movement and sound in the homes of elderly people living alone. Reif, a startup in Fukuoka Prefecture, has developed robots that can help stroke victims with their gait and balance. There are many more examples, but one Tokyo startup is combining artificial intelligence technologies with a unique approach to caregiving. Applying AI to elder care Founded in 2016 as ExaIntelligence, Exawizards is involved in everything from robotics to drug discovery and financial technology, or fintech. But its focus on creating a social impact with AI is beginning to resonate in Japan’s super-aged society. Exawizards is using deep learning to analyze unstructured data related to nursing care. This data is in form of sound recordings, videos, texts, and other materials. One of its main services is Coaching AI, which it describes as “AI-enabled care.” It’s an approach to caregiving training that blends algorithms with a human touch. The goal is to improve the quality of care for dementia patients as well as to help new caregivers deliver effective care. In the Coaching AI system, a camera is placed above the patient’s bed, while caregivers wear camera-equipped smart glasses and microphones; cameras in tablets can also be used. The sound and video are uploaded to a server where Exawizards algorithms analyze the interactions between caregiver and patient. It can then give suggestions about how the caregiving can be improved. “We’ve heard a lot about evidence-based medicine, but not so much about evidence-based care,” says Exawizards President Ko Ishiyama, a former director of Recruit Holdings’ AI lab. “We’re exploring how AI can be used in this field. Originally, we relied upon veterans to teach newer caregivers how to improve, but AI can now do this.” Making a difference with Humanitude Exawizards’ approach is based on Humanitude, a care method developed over 30 years ago by Yves Gineste and Rosette Marescotti. The method emphasizes techniques such as speaking quietly to maintain trust and respect. Gentleness is key, and grasping patients’ arms and legs is frowned upon. “The four pillars of Humanitude are eye contact, verbal communication, touching and standing up,” says Ishiyama. “It’s a form of multi-modal comprehensive care based on the five senses. In one case study, a bedridden patient who had received Humanitude care became able to get out of bed, put on her makeup and eat by herself. ” Humanitude has proven benefits. In a study led by Miwako Honda of the Tokyo Medical Center, 148 people in Fukuoka caring for patients with dementia were trained in Humanitude methods. When analyzing their experiences, the study found that caregivers reported less stress, while patients were less prone to wander around or engage in violent behavior or verbal outbursts. A ‘Force’ for change Exawizards is also applying AI techniques to other areas. Its Choju-kun platform is designed for local healthcare providers and administrators. It can analyze what level of care a given patient is receiving, whether it is having any effect, and the probability of that patient advancing to a stage at which greater care is required. Visualizing the predicted care trends can help administrators better manage nursing care as local populations age. The startup is already working with a local care administrator in Fukuoka and is collaborating with insurer Sompo Holdings, which operates more than 400 nursing homes in Japan. By deploying its technology through such tie-ups, Ishiyama believes that care resources can be managed much better and the 20 trillion yen ($176 billion) cost of nursing care predicted for 2025 can be cut by 20%. Ishiyama likens the challenge to characters from Star Wars: social issues are Darth Vader, and caregivers are Jedi knights wielding the Force. But they can’t overcome Vader alone, and need the help of entrepreneurs—thus, Exawizards is Han Solo, and AI is C-3PO. The three can unite to defeat the Dark Side. “In Star Wars, it’s said that everyone can use the Force, just as all humans have the potential to give good care,” says Ishiyama. “We believe that AI can be used to create a society in which everyone can enjoy their lives.” For more information about ExaWizards visit https://exawizards/com/en/.
Japanese AI start-up Exawizards is using deep learning to study and improve nursing care for the country’s rapidly aging population. A shortfall of 148 care workers is forecast by 2025. The firm’s Coaching AI service combines monitoring cameras near patients with connected smart glasses and other devices for carers. Algorithms analyse how the caregiver works and give advice. Meanwhile, its Choju-kun platform monitors and analyses a patient’s care for health care providers and administrators. Exawizards bases its approach on a method called Humanitude, which emphasises gentleness.