Living Robot Joins National Demonstration Project with National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology and Meijo University on Developing an AI Literacy Education Model for the Elderly

Living Robot Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Date City, Fukushima Prefecture; CEO: Yasuhiro Kawauchi; hereinafter "the company") has been selected for Challenge 1, "Enhancing AI Literacy for the Elderly," under the "Grant Program for Research on Solving Social Challenges in Aging Societies (AI)" conducted by the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Longevity Science Foundation, together with the National Institutes for Geriatrics and Gerontology (President: Hidenori Arai) and Meijo University (President: Mitsuhide Noguchi). In response to this selection, the company will be responsible for implementing AI and robotics technologies, including educational material development using humanoid robots such as "Kurukuru Mecatro Wego," dialogue scenario design, robot control, and on-site deployment. The goal is to enable elderly individuals to learn about the benefits and limitations of AI in an enjoyable way and apply this knowledge in their daily lives.

## Background and Objectives

While generative AI and voice assistants are rapidly spreading, many elderly individuals feel anxious due to a lack of understanding of how these technologies work or how to use them effectively. This has raised concerns about widening "AI disparities" and "social isolation," potentially leaving older adults behind in social participation. This project aims to build a socially implementable education model that enables elderly individuals to enjoyably learn about AI and develop the ability to actively apply it in daily life (AI literacy), with the goal of nationwide deployment. Living Robot and the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology previously established a joint research agreement in 2024 to verify the introduction of the guide robot "temi" within the center's hospital. Building on this ongoing collaboration, the company is now participating in this new initiative.

## The Company's Role and Technical Approach

In this project, the company will provide robots equipped with generative AI. Rather than treating these robots as mere explanatory tools, they will be positioned as "learning partners" that naturally support dialogue between elderly users and AI. The company will design experiential learning environments centered on everyday themes such as weather, shopping, travel, health, and reminiscence, allowing participants to intuitively grasp AI's characteristics. Furthermore, to lower psychological barriers, the company will develop unique programs that incorporate humor and comedy into the educational content. Because interactions occur with robots, even mistakes can turn into laughter, creating a psychologically safe environment where elderly participants can learn freely without fear of failure. Living Robot is committed to developing innovative programs that help elderly individuals become comfortable with technology and confidently apply it in their daily lives.

## Research Structure

Kento Kato: Project Leader

・Associate Professor, Department of Mechatronics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Meijo University

・Specially Appointed Chief Researcher, Robot Clinical Evaluation Research Laboratory, Center for Support of Healthy Longevity, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

Taiki Shimotori: Project Manager

・Researcher, Robot Clinical Evaluation Research Laboratory, Center for Support of Healthy Longevity, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

Hiroyuki Shimada: Project Team Leader

・Director, Center for Gerontological and Social Science Research, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

・Responsible for elderly surveys, psychological and social evaluations, and effectiveness verification for social implementation in this project.

Yasuhiro Kawauchi: Project Team Leader

・President and CEO, Living Robot Co., Ltd.

・Responsible for the implementation of AI and robotics technologies (educational material development, dialogue scenario design, robot control, on-site deployment) in this project.

## Future Outlook

The company will closely collaborate with the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology and Meijo University to conduct demonstrations targeting 10,000 elderly individuals across 100 regions nationwide. Aiming for a future where elderly individuals can confidently use AI to enhance their social participation and quality of life, the company will contribute to realizing a society where everyone can feel familiar with and safely utilize AI and robotics.

## Related Links

・Robot Clinical Evaluation Research Laboratory, Center for Support of Healthy Longevity, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

https://www.ncgg.go.jp/ri/lab/robot/section/clinical/home.html

・Center for Gerontological and Social Science Research, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology

https://www.ncgg.go.jp/ri/lab/cgss/

## Company Name: Living Robot Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Maison Crochette No. 2, 11-19, Hohara-machi, Date City, Fukushima Prefecture

Other Offices: Fukushima Lab / Tokyo Office / Fukuoka Office / Ogōri Campus / Taiwan Office

Representative: CEO Yasuhiro Kawauchi

Established: April 2018

Business Activities: Partner Robot Platform (PRP) business, Life Innovation (LI) business

URL: https://livingrobot.co.jp/