Why the market for home-use robots is expanding

Around the world, people are living longer. In the U.S., for example, the number of adults aged 65 and older is projected to reach 95 million by 2060—more than double what it was in 2016. In Europe, Japan, and parts of Asia, the trend is even more pronounced: Japan's population of citizens over 80 is expected to hit 20 million by 2040. With longer lifespans often come age-related challenges: reduced mobility, chronic conditions like arthritis or Parkinson's, and the need for assistance with daily tasks. For many, moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility isn't desirable—or feasible. Instead, they want to "age in place," staying in the comfort of their own homes. But who will help them?

This is where home-use robots step in. Consider the bedridden elderly care robot : a device designed to assist with tasks like repositioning, transferring to a wheelchair, or even providing basic hygiene support. For an older adult living alone, or a family caregiver juggling work and care duties, such a robot isn't a luxury—it's a way to maintain independence and dignity. Similarly, electric nursing beds , once confined to hospitals, are now being adapted for home use, with features like adjustable heights, rotating sides, and built-in sensors to monitor patient movement. These beds, often customizable to fit small living spaces, allow families to transform a spare room into a safe, supportive care environment without the need for constant professional help.

The numbers tell the story: According to market research, the global home healthcare robotics market is expected to grow from $9.8 billion in 2023 to over $30 billion by 2030. A big chunk of that growth is driven by the demand for robots that address the unique needs of aging populations. As more families choose home care over institutional settings, the market for these devices will only expand.

If you've ever cared for a loved one with limited mobility, you know the physical and emotional toll it takes. Lifting a family member from bed to chair, helping with bathing or dressing, and staying vigilant through the night—these tasks can lead to chronic fatigue, back injuries, and burnout. Yet, as the population ages, the number of available caregivers is shrinking. In the U.S., the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a shortage of 1.2 million home health aides by 2030. In Europe, countries like Germany and Italy face similar gaps, with more elderly dependents than working-age adults to care for them.

Home-use robots are emerging as a critical solution to this crisis. Take patient lift assist devices: these robotic systems can safely lift and transfer a person from a bed to a wheelchair or toilet, reducing the risk of injury for both the caregiver and the patient. For a family caregiver who might struggle to lift their parent alone, a lift assist robot isn't just helpful—it's a way to avoid accidents and keep caregiving sustainable. Similarly, incontinence care robots are designed to handle tasks that many caregivers find emotionally challenging, such as cleaning and changing. These robots use sensors to detect needs and respond automatically, allowing caregivers to focus on more meaningful interactions—like talking, reading, or simply being present.

"I used to dread bath time with my husband, who has Parkinson's," says Maria, a 58-year-old caregiver in California. "It was physically exhausting, and he hated feeling like a burden. Then we got a patient lift assist robot. Now, he can move safely, and I don't worry about hurting my back. It's not just about the physical help—it's about giving us both peace of mind." Stories like Maria's are becoming more common, driving demand for robots that ease caregiver burnout and make long-term home care possible.

Not long ago, the idea of a robot providing care felt like science fiction—cold, mechanical, and impersonal. But today's home-use robots are different. Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and sensor technology, they're becoming more intuitive, adaptable, and even empathetic.

Take lower limb exoskeletons , for example. These wearable robots are designed to assist with walking, helping users with mobility issues—like those recovering from a stroke or living with spinal cord injuries—regain independence. Early exoskeletons were bulky and expensive, confined to hospitals. Now, companies are developing lightweight, portable models for home use. Some, like the "sport pro" variants, even help athletes recover from injuries by supporting movement during rehabilitation. These devices use AI to learn the user's gait, adjusting in real time to provide the right amount of support. It's not just about mechanics; it's about restoring confidence. Imagine a stroke survivor taking their first steps in months, guided by a robot that feels like an extension of their own body.

Another area of progress is in user-friendliness. Early home care robots often came with complicated manuals and steep learning curves, making them intimidating for older users or busy caregivers. Today, many devices feature simple touchscreens, voice commands, or even smartphone apps that walk users through setup and operation. The electric nursing bed market, for instance, now includes models with remote controls that let users adjust positions with the push of a button, or even preset "comfort modes" for reading, sleeping, or eating. Some beds connect to health monitoring apps, alerting caregivers if the user tries to get up unassisted or if vital signs show signs of distress.

Perhaps most importantly, modern robots are designed with empathy in mind. They avoid jarring movements, use soft, non-threatening materials, and even "communicate" through gentle sounds or lights to reduce anxiety. For someone who might feel vulnerable relying on a machine, these small touches make all the difference. As one user put it: "My bedridden elderly care robot doesn't just help me move—it feels like it's 'checking in' on me. When it adjusts my position, it beeps softly, like a friend saying, 'Let me make you more comfortable.'"

The market for home-use robots isn't just growing—it's diversifying. While early adopters were primarily hospitals and wealthy families, today's buyers span a wide range: middle-class households, small home care agencies, and even insurance companies looking to reduce long-term care costs. Let's break down the key groups driving demand:

• Families caring for aging parents : For many, home care robots are a cost-effective alternative to assisted living. A high-quality electric nursing bed or patient lift assist device might cost a few thousand dollars upfront, but it pales in comparison to the $5,000–$10,000 monthly cost of a nursing home.
• Individuals with disabilities : People living with conditions like spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis are increasingly turning to robots like lower limb exoskeletons to regain mobility and live independently.
• Home care agencies : Small agencies are investing in robots to expand their services without hiring more staff. A single incontinence care robot can support multiple clients, allowing caregivers to focus on personalized care.
• Insurance providers : Some health insurers now cover home-use robots as part of their long-term care benefits, recognizing that preventing institutionalization saves money in the long run.

To illustrate the diversity of products now available, let's take a look at some common types of home-use care robots and their uses:

Despite its rapid growth, the home-use robot market isn't without challenges. Cost remains a barrier for many: a high-end lower limb exoskeleton can cost $50,000 or more, putting it out of reach for average households. There's also the issue of trust: some users worry about relying on a machine for critical care, fearing malfunctions or a loss of human connection. Regulatory hurdles exist too, with devices like incontinence care robots needing approval from bodies like the FDA to ensure safety.

But the industry is rising to these challenges. Companies are developing more affordable models: entry-level electric nursing beds now start at around $1,000, and some exoskeleton manufacturers offer rental or financing options. To build trust, many robots now come with 24/7 customer support and "fail-safe" features—like emergency stop buttons or backup power supplies. Meanwhile, regulators are streamlining approval processes for low-risk devices, making it easier for innovative products to reach the market.

"The goal isn't to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ human caregivers," says Dr. Sarah Chen, a gerontologist and robotics researcher. "It's to empower them. A robot can handle the repetitive, physically demanding tasks, freeing up time for the things only humans can do: listening, comforting, and connecting. That's the future we're building."

The expansion of the home-use robot market isn't just about technology—it's about people. It's about an 85-year-old grandmother who can stay in her home because a bedridden elderly care robot helps with daily tasks. It's about a caregiver who can go back to work because a patient lift assist device reduces their workload. It's about a stroke survivor who walks their grandchild to school, supported by a lower limb exoskeleton .

As demographics continue to shift, caregiver shortages worsen, and technology advances, the market for these robots will only grow. They won't solve all the challenges of aging or disability, but they will make home care more accessible, sustainable, and human. In the end, home-use robots aren't just expanding a market—they're expanding the possibilities for how we care for one another.

So the next time you hear about a new care robot, remember: it's not just a machine. It's a symbol of progress—a way to ensure that no one has to choose between independence and support, between staying home and getting the care they need. And that's a future worth investing in.