The inaugural Beijing Intelligent Eldercare Robot Application Competition was launched on Tuesday in Yizhuang, Beijing, spotlighting robotics as a critical and sustainable solution to China's rapidly rising aging population.

Data from the Ministry of Civil Affairs revealed that by the end of 2024, China had over 310 million people aged 60 or above — constituting 22 percent of the total population. This group is expected to exceed 400 million by 2035, further straining the traditional elderly care service system. A severe talent shortage compounds the challenge: according to relevant research report on elderly care workers, published by the China Aging Development Foundation, there was a shortage of 5.5 million care workers in 2024, with nearly 90 percent of the workforce being over the age of 40.

"This truly is the breakthrough year for robotics," Sun Ling, vice-president of Beijing E-Town Robot Technology Industry Development Co Ltd, said in an interview with China Daily. "After captivating audiences during this year's Spring Festival Gala, robots are entering the public eye across industries. We envision them entering homes, particularly supporting the national push for home-based eldercare."