Robots play growing role in elderly care

With a rapidly aging population, technology is being used to make up for shortfall in resources

SHENYANG — In a nursing home in South China's Shenzhen, an elderly resident curiously reaches out to hold the hand of Xia Lan, a humanoid robot with lifelike skin, blinking eyes and a warm, soothing voice.

"Can you dance for us?" one senior asks, prompting smiles from those around. "I'm so happy to see robots becoming part of our lives," another resident remarks. "I hope they bring us more convenience."

China is witnessing a rapid integration of artificial intelligence and robotics into elderly care services, offering innovative solutions to the challenges of an aging population.