IFA Berlin Reveals the Future of Smart Care

IFA Berlin 2026 highlights AI robots, exoskeletons and connected platforms designed to improve elderly safety, independence, and care efficiency. (Photo Courtesy of Tuya Smart)

Smart care technology is moving beyond basic monitoring as artificial intelligence, robotics, and connected devices increasingly support older adults with mobility, safety, independence, and daily care needs.

At IFA Berlin 2026, several innovations highlighted how technology could help address some of the biggest challenges facing elderly-care providers, including staff shortages, fall prevention, remote monitoring and ageing in place. For care operators and solution providers, the emerging trend is toward systems that can actively assist users, collect continuous data and integrate with wider care environments.

From Monitoring to Embodied AI

One of the clearest developments is the shift from stationary voice assistants to mobile, context-aware AI companions.

Tuya Smart showcased Doova, a mobile home companion robot designed to support seniors living independently. Using LDS LiDAR, four-microphone sound localization and AI vision-based skeletal recognition, the robot can locate users following voice requests, such as “Hey Tuya, help” when assistance is needed after a fall. If the user does not respond within 60 seconds, it can automatically initiate an emergency live video call to designated contacts.

Doova also combines conversational AI, reminders and smart-appliance control, while its room-coverage system enables automated environmental scans and safety reports without requiring continuous human supervision.

Another example came from Mind With Heart Robotics, whose AnAn Panda Robot, featured at IFA’s Robots on the Runway, focuses on emotional and cognitive support. Its tactile sensing technology enables responses to physical interaction, while long-term memory algorithms allow it to learn users’ interaction patterns.

For institutional care, the platform can provide management dashboards that track behavioral trends, engagement and interaction patterns, potentially giving professional staff another source of information for preventive care.

AnAn Panda Robot, featured at IFA’s Robots on the Runway, focuses on emotional and cognitive support. (Photo Courtesy of Mind With Heart Robotics)

Robotics Target Mobility and Independence

Wearable robotics are also moving into the smart-care conversation.

The AlpWalk S1, an IFA Innovation Award Honoree, is a lightweight hip-assistive exoskeleton designed to support walking and mobility. Its “Gentle-Pace” AI gait algorithm is trained on more than 10,000 elderly gait samples and recognizes different movement states, including walking, climbing and standing.

The device provides motor assistance at the hip joint and is designed to reduce energy expenditure during walking and stair climbing. Safety features include precision joint control, mechanical safety stops and an optional fall-protection airbag.

A companion healthcare app records mobility data such as distance and usage time, creating opportunities for remote monitoring by families or care providers.

The AlpWalk S1, an IFA Innovation Award Honoree, is a lightweight hip-assistive exoskeleton designed to support walking and mobility. (Photo Courtesy of AlpWalk)

Toward Interoperable Care Ecosystems

At the system level, interoperability is becoming increasingly important.

THIRDREALITY introduced ThirdStage HelpLink Smart Care, a modular platform built around a central hub speaker, physical emergency buttons and a companion app for voice- or touch-based assistance calls. The system can be expanded with activity sensors, vital-sign and sleep monitoring, air-quality sensors and medication-management modules.

Its support for Matter and Zigbee protocols reflects a broader move toward connected care ecosystems rather than isolated devices.

For elderly-care operators, the direction is clear: smart care is increasingly about workload reduction, continuous data and functional independence. As AI companions, wearable robotics and interoperable monitoring systems mature, these technologies could help care providers shift from periodic checks and reactive intervention toward more proactive, connected and personalized models of care.

🚀 Connect with Global Leaders in Aging & Care Innovation!

Sourcingcares links international partners in aging care, long-term care, and health technology, fostering collaboration and driving solutions for a changing world. Our initiatives include Cares Expo Taipei, where the future of elder care takes shape!

🔗 Follow us for insights & opportunities:

📌 Facebook: sourcingcares

📌 LinkedIn: sourcingcares

📍 Explore more at Cares Expo Taipei!