[Toyota Foundation Special Theme Selected] Omohibito Co., Ltd. Launches Hybrid Support Research Combining AI and Human Assistance to Resolve “Non-Connected to Systems” Issues in the Caregiving and Disability Fields (¥8 Million Grant, 3 Years)
Summary
Omohibito (想ひ人) was awarded an ¥8 million, three-year research grant from the Toyota Foundation and launched a joint research project starting May 1, 2026. The study will test a hybrid support model combining AI-driven, cross-system benefits navigation with human accompaniment to address '制度未接続' (people falling through gaps between welfare systems) in care, disability, and medical domains. The project will compare three support channels—AI consultation, staffed SNS consultation, and existing municipal windows—use the recently released Omohibito Care Guide as a field platform, and collect both resident and support-worker data across municipalities. The team will publish design principles for AI-human role division and policy/guideline recommendations on administrative consultation DX and governance implications.