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】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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【New】Reducing excretion care burdens
Dealing with soiled bedding and clothing from incontinence or diaper leaks is a major burden for elderly families and facility staff. We are seeking technology to reduce excretion care burdens.
Potential Solutions / Features
- Example 1) A special sheet that instantly solidifies upon incontinence and can be easily removed
- Example 2) A cover equipped with a function that detects soiling and partially washes and dries the area
- Example 3) Detects excretion with special sensors and automatically collects and seals waste using vacuum technology
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【New】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) An electric bicycle with a ventilated dome sunshade and cooling grips to suppress body temperature rise, and rain protection for dry travel
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Automated bathtub and bathroom cleaning
Caregivers spend significant time and effort cleaning bathtubs, bathroom walls, ceilings, and other surfaces after bathing. We are seeking technology that reduces the burden on caregivers.
Potential Solutions / Features
- Example 1) Retrofittable devices that can automatically clean bathrooms and bathtubs
- Example 2) Bathtubs and bathroom walls that do not require cleaning
- Example 3) Detergents that remove dirt simply by spraying, without the need for scrubbing or wiping
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Room temperature control
There is a problem where people with dementia turn off the air conditioning, increasing the risk of heatstroke or hypothermia indoors. We are looking for technologies that can safely maintain or automatically adjust room temperature so that users can stay comfortable in their rooms.
Potential Solutions / Features
- Example 1) Detecting the user’s body temperature and perspiration to automatically adjust to the optimal room temperature, and notifying when abnormalities are detected.
- Example 2) Immediately notifying family members or staff if the air conditioner is unplugged.
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
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.