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】 Oral care for the elderly (5: Environmental Improvement)
In some cases, the physical environment—such as a bathroom sink that is too high—is not suitable for oral care, which can place a burden on the elderly and caregivers. We are seeking technologies that can create an environment suitable for care.
Potential Solutions / Features
- Example 1) While making use of existing facilities, it can be adjusted to match the height of the user’s wheelchair or chair.
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【New】Safe and smooth wheelchair mobility assistance
Moving wheelchair users involves many staff members and takes time. We are seeking technologies that reduce the burden on staff and support safe, smooth mobility without keeping users waiting.
Potential Solutions / Features
- Example 1) With a smartphone or a single button, it automatically travels to the destination.
- Example 2) Attach sensors to an existing wheelchair to safely and automatically follow the wheelchair in front.
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【New】Hands-free, low-cost in-facility staff location detection
Instead of location systems with high implementation and maintenance costs—and where device charging and carrying become a burden—we are seeking technologies that are low-cost, require no construction, and can automatically detect staff locations with high accuracy even when they are hands-free, and keep operating continuously.
Potential Solutions / Features
- Example 1) Can be installed at low cost with no construction, using plug-in receivers or existing Wi-Fi.
- Example 2) No need for charging or battery replacement, such as with indoor light power generation.
- Example 3) No need for staff to carry a device while on duty, or functions can be added to items they already carry.
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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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Improving Efficiency in pre-assistance information gathering 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.
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 - Monitoring during bathing
- 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 - Automatic curtain
opening/closing
to maintain
daily routines - Heat countermeasures
for caregivers
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.