Launch of initiative in Himeji City to use the AI-powered cognitive function self-check app "ONSEI Pro" and electricity usage data to detect cognitive decline and health risks among the elderly at early stage

Today, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture ("Himeji City"), Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. ("Chubu Electric Power"), and Nippontect Systems co.,ltd ("Nippontect Systems") launched a joint project (hereinafter "this project") in Himeji City aimed at identifying early signs of cognitive decline and health risks among the elderly and promoting preventive care.

Background and Objectives

With the aging of the population, it is becoming increasingly important to identify signs of health risks such as cognitive decline and frailty at an early stage so that appropriate support can be provided. However, relying solely on traditional screening methods, such as routine health checkups, presents challenges when it comes to identifying these signs of health risks on a regular and ongoing basis.

Therefore, this project brings together local governments and businesses to leverage digital technology and provide screening methods that can be easily incorporated into daily life without causing undue burden. Through this, we aim to establish a system that enables the elderly to recognize their own health risks at an early stage and connect them to appropriate support as needed.

Project Details

This project will simultaneously implement two complementary approaches: cognitive function self-checks using the "ONSEI Pro" app ("ONSEI Pro") developed by Nippontect Systems, and the detection of signs of health risks using electricity usage data provided by Chubu Electric Power.

(1) Self-check of cognitive function: "Brain Health Improvement Project"

By downloading ONSEI Pro to their smartphones and using it regularly, participants will be provided with an environment where they can easily check their own cognitive function status in their daily lives. ONSEI Pro uses AI to analyze speech content and voice characteristics to visualize the state of cognitive functions at multiple levels. By encouraging participants to perform these self-checks consistently, this aims to detect early signs of cognitive decline.

(2) Detection of signs of health risks: "Staying Healthy Forever Project"

With the consent of the participants, it aims to capture changes in lifestyle patterns and signs of health risks by analyzing electricity usage data obtained from electricity smart meters. For example, it will explore the potential of detecting signs of changes in daily rhythms and fluctuations from electricity usage patterns, which could lead to the early detection of physical and mental health issues.

Through these efforts, we will verify the effectiveness of the system that leads to early response and appropriate support by identifying risks at an early stage and linking them to Himeji City, which then guides participants to medical institutions and provides counseling and support as necessary.

Future outlook

Based on the data and operational know-how obtained through this project, we aim to realize the following:

• Construction of a community care model that can detect changes in cognitive function and lifestyle early on and provide a comprehensive range of services, from necessary support and intervention to the prevention of severe conditions
• Examination and establishment of a sustainable system that supports residents' health while minimizing the burden on local governments
• Development of a standard model based on the results of this project that can be replicated in other municipalities

The three parties will work together to develop new preventive care systems utilizing digital technology and contribute to the realization of a society in which the elderly can continue to live with peace of mind in their own neighborhoods.