China Leads Global Standardization of Elderly Care Robots Amidst Soaring Aging Population

China has emerged as a key player in developing international  robot standards  for caring  for older adults. On January 17, 2025,The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) released a global standard titled “IEC 63310: Functional performance criteria for AAL robots used in connected home environment” Chinese experts played a major role in coordinating this process alongside international colleagues. A Chinese national and a Korean national served as conveners of the IEC working group that created the standards, according to the IEC website.

“The standards will guide the design, manufacturing, and certification of robots tailored to the unique needs of ageing populations,” Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported.

What’s in the Standards?

The IEC 63310 standards classify elderly care robots based on function and performance, focusing on several key aspects:

• Usability: Making robots user-friendly for seniors
• Reliability: Ensuring consistent performance
• Accessibility: Accommodating various physical and cognitive abilities
• Energy consumption: Setting efficiency benchmarks
• Noise levels: Keeping operation quiet

The technical requirements cover critical functions such as:

• Health monitoring and emergency detection
• Communication support with family and medical personnel
• Household task assistance
• Entertainment options
• Mobility support for walking and outdoor activities

Why It Matters

According to World Health Organization data, the global population of people aged 60 and above is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, including 426 million individuals over age 80.

In China alone, people aged 60 and above numbered 310 million by the end of 2024, accounting for 22 percent of the country’s total population. This figure is predicted to reach 30 percent by 2035, with the elderly population exceeding 400 million.

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Expert Perspectives

Shigeki Sugano, a professor at Waseda University, emphasized the need for robots in elderly care due to Japan’s aging population and “chronic shortage of aged-care workers.”

Meanwhile, Clara Berridge, a gerontologist at the University of Washington, raised ethical concerns about relying too heavily on technology: “We need to consider the need for human contact in a population that is dearly in need of it.”

Market Impact

The standards are expected to pave the way for the commercialization of senior care robots. Many industry analysts predict 2025 will be a watershed year for humanoid robots as manufacturers move toward mass production.

China has established itself as a leading player in the humanoid robot industry, with a recent Morgan Stanley report noting the high number of Chinese companies in this field.

As one practical example, a robot dog was recently documented working at a nursing home in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province in February 2025.

The State Administration for Market Regulation in China stated the standard “is expected to guide manufacturers to accurately focus on the characteristics and needs of the elderly in product design and enhance the quality of robot products.”