Gyeongbuk Technopark has moved to build an AI-based smart care infrastructure in preparation for a super-aged society.
North Gyeongsang Province, Yecheon-gun and Gyeongbuk Technopark announced Tuesday that they installed 10 AI smart beds at Gyeongdo Care Hospital in Yecheon and began full-scale field testing as part of the Ministry of Health and Welfare's 2026 Smart Social Service Pilot Project.
The project is being carried out by a consortium comprising North Gyeongsang Province, Yecheon-gun, Gyeongbuk Technopark, Gyeongdo Care Hospital and Nurion Co., with a total budget of 286 million won ($211,000).
The AI smart beds are equipped with real-time vital sign monitoring as well as functions for repositioning patients and automatically detecting excretion.
The beds are expected to reduce the risk of pressure sores in long-term bedridden patients by supporting regular repositioning, while the automatic excretion detection feature is designed to protect patient hygiene and dignity.
The technology is also projected to ease the physical burden on care workers by reducing repetitive tasks such as moving patients, repositioning them and changing diapers, freeing medical staff to focus on patient management and specialized care.
"Through the introduction of AI smart beds, we will simultaneously improve dignity care for bedridden patients and the working conditions of care workers," said Ha In-seong, president of Gyeongbuk Technopark. "We will work with North Gyeongsang Province and Yecheon-gun to establish this as a successful Gyeongbuk-style smart care model."
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