China has announced plans to develop humanoid robots to support its ageing population, according to a directive from the State Council issued on Wednesday.

The initiative focuses on advancing research in humanoid robotics, brain-computer interfaces, and AI to address elderly care needs.

It also includes the establishment of national science and technology projects in these fields, making China one of the first nations to implement such a strategy.

This effort is part of a broader strategy to tackle China’s demographic challenges, including a shortage of elderly care workers and facilities.

China aims to create a nationwide elderly care network by 2029 and ensure universal access to basic services by 2035.