Domestic Largest Rehabilitation and Welfare Exhibition Introduces AI Care Devices and Customized Mobility Aids in Bulk

The '2025 Homecare, Rehabilitation, and Welfare Exhibition (Reha·Homecare 2025)' will be held from May 29th to 31st at COEX Hall B in Seoul. This exhibition is the largest welfare equipment expo in Korea, jointly organized by the Korea Medical Devices Distribution Association, the Korea Disabled People's Federation, and WEXPO, with sponsorship from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

At this event, a wide range of rehabilitation aids for socially vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities and the elderly, home care solutions, and AI-based care devices were introduced in bulk. State-of-the-art power wheelchairs, foldable lightweight walking aids, and stair-climbing mobility devices are being highly praised as equipment that dramatically improves the constraints felt by mobility-impaired individuals in their daily spaces.

Pressure sore prevention mattresses for bedridden patients and individuals with brain lesions, posture maintenance seating systems, as well as bathroom safety equipment to prevent falls among the elderly, and transfer aids also garnered attention from visitors.

Especially this year, welfare equipment incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology took center stage at the exhibition. Fall detection sensors, interactive care robots, and smart rehabilitation exercise analysis systems are next-generation devices that simultaneously support the safety and rehabilitation of the elderly and people with disabilities. These technologies are expanding the concept of welfare equipment from a simple 'assistive tool' to a user-centered 'proactive care solution'.

Following the exhibition, the domestic market for assistive devices for people with disabilities is expected to reach a new turning point. With the acceleration of an aging society, the demand for assistive devices is steadily increasing, and improvements in care policies by the government and the integration with long-term care insurance schemes are strengthening the industry's growth foundation. In particular, welfare devices combining AI and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are evolving into next-generation products that predict user behavior and actively intervene beyond simple assistance.

This transformation, along with the technological advancement of domestic welfare equipment manufacturers, is expected to create a new market where welfare and industry converge. However, for substantial improvement in quality of life, policy support to ease price burdens and increase adoption rates, along with continuous research and development investment for user-customized product development, must be pursued in parallel.

'Reha Homecare 2025' not only showcased the current state of welfare equipment technology but also presented a vision for the future of independence and dignified life for people with disabilities and the elderly. It remains to be seen whether the outcomes of the exhibition will lead to structural improvements in the domestic welfare industry and societal perception changes, rather than being a one-off event.