Call for Technology Solutions
Future Care Lab in Japan seeks technologies and products to
address concrete challenges on the front lines of care.
We look forward to entries from developers ready to say, “We can solve this challenge”.
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【New】 Lift-up from the floor
When a single staff member transfers a user who has fallen to the floor, it places a significant physical and mental burden on both parties. We are seeking technologies that allow anyone to safely and easily carry and assist with transfers alone in various environments such as narrow hallways and bathrooms.
Potential Solutions / Features
- Example 1) An air mattress that inflates with air and can safely lift a user on the floor up to chair or bed height while they remain on it
- Example 2) A foldable, simple lift that can support getting up from the floor with minimal force
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【New】Improving Efficiency in understanding information before assistance and handover
Important information such as the user’s condition and care methods, as well as updated latest information, may be missed when checking across multiple media or verbally. We are seeking technologies that enable each staff member to reliably confirm important information and the latest changes.
Potential Solutions / Features
- Example 1) Allows staff to check important information and the latest points of caution before providing assistance
- Example 2) Automatically converts speech to text just by speaking, and shares it with staff via devices, etc.
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【New】Automatic curtain opening/closing to maintain daily rhythms
In nursing care facilities, curtains are used frequently, and manually opening/closing and tying up many curtains on busy mornings is a burden for staff. We are seeking technologies that require no replacement work such as switching to roller blinds, make use of existing curtains, adjust sunlight, eliminate the hassle of tying them up, and allow staff to focus on care.
Potential Solutions / Features
- Example 1) Automatically fine-tunes how far curtains open based on morning light and the weather
- Example 2) At the same time as opening, neatly folds them automatically and fixes them to the wall without using cords
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Monitoring during bathing
We are seeking technology to detect early signs of health issues during bathing and prevent bathroom accidents in elderly homes and nursing care facilities.
Potential Solutions / Features
- Example 1) Detects movement and breathing, automatically alerting family or staff in case of abnormality
- Example 2) A bathtub that automatically drains when it senses a change in condition
- Example 3) Automatically alerts and drains when there is no response to periodic voice prompts or when words like “help” are recognized
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Heat countermeasures for caregivers
The severe heat during summer bathing assistance and bicycle travel when visiting users increases the risk of heat stroke and accidents for caregivers. We are seeking technology that allows staff to maintain appropriate body temperature and provide care safely and comfortably.
Potential Solutions / Features
- Example 1) A device that quickly lowers perceived temperature during bathing assistance or bicycle travel
- Example 2) A water-repellent vest that prevents water penetration while releasing heat from inside the clothing
- Example 3) A portable spray that rapidly cools the head and body to reduce sweat and odor
Inquiries about the Call for Technology Solutions
We welcome consultations on the listed themes or any other solutions applicable to nursing care settings.
Contact UsOther Call Themes
- Early detection of
anxiety
restlessness from
dementia - Safe and
private
portable
toilets - Automated window cleaning
- Safe home
unlocking for
caregiver visits - Safe bathing
environments for the elderly - Oral care for the elderly
(1. Simple operation) - Oral care for the elderly
(2. Preventive care) - Oral care for the elderly
(3. Safe care) - Oral care for the elderly
(④ Individualized care) - Emergency response support
- Meals tailored to
chewing swallowing abilities - Communication
support for
foreign caregivers - Medication management support
- Meals tailored
to the elderly’s
preferences - Preventing meal serving errors
- Reducing meal
recording burdens - Assessing the
urgency of nurse calls
and sensor alerts - Heat shock prevention in bathrooms and dressing rooms
- Automatic water supply for humidifiers
- Remote monitoring
for the elderly
living alone - Automated inventory,
ordering, and delivery - Safe and smooth
wheelchair mobility assistance - Odor control in homes
and nursing care facilities - Physical function assessment
support for the elderly - Selecting assistive devices
and other equipment
that match user needs - New alternatives
to bathing
in a bathtub - Simple and appropriate
thickening
support - Automated bathtub and bathroom cleaning
- Room temperature control
Consultations / Inquiries
Please contact us here for support with nursing care technology development,
consultations on implementation in the field, media inquiries,
or information regarding various projects for government and public agencies.