Assistive Autonomy

Leveraging assistive technologies to aid independence

Technology related services and products are no longer exclusively for younger audiences. Digital-first models have become the default across finance, healthcare, and retail sectors, forcing older adults to adopt newer technology, so they can continue to engage with society. This shift has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, with older adults moving online to shop safely, find social connections, and seek out entertainment. In rural areas, older adults are utilising live streaming and faster logistics to sell products.

This willingness to adopt new and emerging technologies is also growing in the mobility space. As the Chinese government looks to meet the challenges of an ageing population, secure further economic growth and tackle climate change, investment into cutting edge mobility technology has boomed. As a result, the use of emerging technologies such as AI and robotics have emerged within consumer spheres faster, exposing Chinese citizens to the opportunities of these technologies more swiftly than western countries. The growth of China’s domestic semiconductor (microchips used in technology products) market is also likely to accelerate innovation in the region. There were 18,800 new semiconductor companies in the first half of 2021, according to the research firm Qichacha31, up 170% from the previous year.

For older adults seeking to remain independent, autonomous systems present an opportunity to outsource tasks, helping to reduce risk, improving their access to basic amenities, and contributing to a longer, healthier life.

© Angela Roma

MICRO TREND

CASE STUDY Active for Longer

Advancements in robotics are being leveraged to offer older adults a way to reduce stress on their bodies, allowing them to remain active for longer.

In China, exoskeletons - a wearable external robotic frame that supports the body - are increasingly used in commercial settings to aid workers. For example, ULS Robotics32 has partnered with several businesses including, a car manufacturer, an airport and a food delivery company, to help reduce work-related injuries and fatigue associated with manual jobs. In a similar vein, in Japan, where 28.4%33 of the population is over the age of 65, exoskeletons are being adopted by older adults to help them work for longer as the retirement age increases to deal with labour shortages.

With the exoskeleton market projected to reach $3.34 billion by 202734 (growing at a CAGR of 46.2% from 2021 to 2027), attention has turned toward developing products for a consumer market. For example, Hong Kong and Shenzhen based firm Enhanced Robotics35 has created the Sportsmate 5. The company developed the exoskeleton to be a lightweight and aesthetically pleasing solution to the current market offerings.

The Sportmate 5 - targeted at athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts - attaches around the user’s waist and thighs, using actuators to create assistive push or pulling forces to the legs. The assistance mode helps the user run faster or longer, using gait analysis to adjust the assistance accordingly, whereas the resistance mode enhances stability on rough terrain.

The device also features an indoor fitness mode featuring two functions: extension and flexion. These modes give users a way to increase their strength or burn more calories, providing resistance during exercise. For example, actively working against the exoskeletons actuators to bend your legs during a squat. As the market continues to evolve, there is an opportunity to position a consumer exoskeleton device for older adults - even those without serious mobility issues.

© ULS Robotics

© Enhanced Robotics

© Jin Ruiqi Technology

CASE STUDY AI Powered Mobility Takes the Wheel

A growing number of established and fledgling Chinese companies are exploring the application of AI-powered self-driving mobility solutions to improve safety and convenience.

Self-driving cars have been the focus of automakers and tech giants globally for the past decade, with the likes of Google, Uber, Didi and Baidu all vying for a portion of a market projected to reach a value of $64.88 Billion by 202636, growing at a CAGR of 22.7% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026”.

China has emerged as a leader in the autonomous vehicle sector, with more than 27 cities having awarded permits to over 70 companies37 operating around 600 AVs since March 2018. Tier 1 cities38 Beijing and Shanghai have seen over 2.5 million kilometres of AV testing to date, accumulating 10% more than U.S companies completed in California in the same amount of time. China will be the largest market for autonomous vehicles by 2040, with an estimated 66% of all cars on the road automated.

The success of such trials has seen Beijing authorities approve the first fee-charging autonomous taxi service39, run by technology firm Baidu. The service of 67 vehicles will operate in Yizhuang, a suburban district of the city.

Exploring the applications of self-driving technology beyond larger vehicles, Jin Ruiqi Technology40 (formerly Golden Ridge Robotics) has created a Smart Rover and Scooter that leverage AI technologies to bring autonomous driving capabilities to ‘last mile’ mobility solutions.

The Smart Rover41 - a golf buggy sized vehicle - is being tested in tourist spots, including Jiangtan Internet Red Park, Beihu Ecological Park, and Dongjiao Memory Creative Park. The company envisions that the low-speed vehicle will be used in settings such as; commercial centres, tourist attractions, urban parks, and resorts, offering users a way to navigate around large areas where cars cannot go.

The company has also produced a more individual transport solution, the Smart Scooter 2. Leveraging AI, the mobility scooter navigates to a user on its own when requested via an app. The device can also follow its user, accompanying older adults who desire to walk short distances.

AI-driven autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionise mobility for older adults in China. With those over 65 set to make up over 26% of the population by 2050, any company looking to enter the Chinese market would be wise to design their products with older adults as key users.