BEGIN TOKYO, Feb 28 (Reuters) – In Tokyo, a 150-kg AI-driven robot, AIREC, demonstrated its potential in elderly care by performing tasks like rolling a man onto his side to prevent bedsores, a move aimed at alleviating Japan’s care worker shortage. Developed by Waseda University, AIREC is designed to address Japan’s aging population crisis and declining birth rates. With a severe shortage of aged care workers, robots like AIREC could become essential in supporting medical and elderly care. However, experts caution that while robots can assist, human-robot collaboration is key for the future of nursing care. AIREC’s rollout is expected around 2030, priced at $67,000.