Tokyo, 21 February, /AJMEDIA/
The industry ministry has started promoting “babytech” products and services, which utilize advanced technologies to ease the burden of child-rearing.
The ministry and Odawara, Kanagawa prefecture, launched a joint demonstration to let residents test babytech products to see if they work.
The ministry hopes to make it easier to have a child and work in a dual-income household as the population grows.
Odawara residents have been given a device using artificial intelligence to help their baby sleep better and lessen the stress of dealing with nighttime cryers.
The AI device can analyze the sounds of a crying baby and produce sounds that would induce sleep.
Online consultations are also available for residents. This service offers advice to pregnant women and their lactation period regarding the best medicine combinations.
The Odawara government and the ministry have also created a social media platform that allows parents and guardians to share their information.
This platform is designed to help parents who feel lonely and isolated. It can be used to offer used child care products for those who are in need.
In the city, a special event was held earlier in the month to allow visitors to try nine babytech products.
The ministry will conduct a survey among residents who have used babytech products and services, and then analyze their needs.
Based on the results, ministry officials plan to explore ways to promote babytech.
Some babytech products are already in use. For example, an app that suggests travel routes via railroad stations and other places that are safe for stroller users and those who don’t want to climb stairs. A baby food delivery service and a monitor that can be used remotely to monitor a baby are also available.