Seocho-gu launches a pilot integrated care service that adds AI companion robots and smart urine analyzers to its existing welfare check program
The AI companion robot offers emotional support, health exercise programs, medication reminders and emergency call functions, backed by a 24-hour monitoring system
Seocho-gu in Seoul will run a pilot smart integrated care project using AI companion robots and smart urine chemical analyzers through December.
The project expands the Seocho Welfare Care Foundation's existing integrated care program, "Seocho On Care," with the aim of strengthening emotional, health and safety support for low-income single-person households at high risk of dying alone and for those with chronic conditions who face elevated health risks.
The AI companion robot has evolved from an earlier version that provided emotional support to elderly people living alone into a full smart platform that now incorporates health and safety management features. It offers a health exercise program designed to encourage regular physical activity among isolated households, medication reminders and an emergency call function in case of a fall. It is also linked to a 24-hour monitoring center, which tracks users' daily activity patterns and response data; if an unusual sign is detected, care workers at the local community center and the user's guardians are notified immediately so they can respond more quickly.
In addition, the district will provide a smart urine chemical analyzer called "Yocheque" to 80 integrated care households that require regular health management due to chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney disease. The device enables regular at-home urine tests that measure 11 key health indicators, including proteinuria and blood sugar levels. Test results are automatically transmitted in real time to a dedicated mobile app and an administrator dashboard, allowing users, guardians and care workers to monitor health together.
Seocho-gu has operated a range of AI-based smart welfare check services, building a welfare check network that covers 1,065 people through an AI welfare check service, a single-person household welfare check service, the Seorippul welfare visit service, a smart care plug and an AI auto safety call service. Through these channels, the district has worked to respond swiftly to crises among isolated households and strengthen its care safety net. It also plans to continue collaborating with local medical institutions to proactively deliver tailored integrated care services.
"We will continue to expand welfare projects that combine smart technology with warm, human care so that every resident who needs integrated support can receive the right help at the right time," Seocho-gu District Mayor Jeon Seong-su said.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
