NARA, May 16 (News On Japan) - Nara City has launched a proof-of-concept project using AI and social media to offer childcare consultations starting today. The initiative is being conducted in collaboration with certified nonprofit Florence, which works to address social issues related to child-rearing, and startup company Tsugari AI.
The project utilizes the messaging app LINE, with generative AI available 24 hours a day to respond to questions from pregnant women and those raising children. In addition to the AI service, the city will also offer daytime weekday consultations handled by professionals such as midwives and licensed experts.
By adopting a more accessible communication tool, the city hopes to reduce the sense of isolation among households with young children.
"In the past, official childcare consultations offered by local governments often relied on phone calls or in-person visits, which created a psychological barrier for many," said an official. "As a result, people tended to wait until issues became severe before seeking help. By using AI in a more casual format, we hope to create a lower-threshold consultation environment and better hear residents' voices."
The city plans to continue the trial through the end of December and will analyze consultation trends and other data collected during the period to consider future measures.
Source: 奈良テレビNEWS
