TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taipei’s Department of Social Welfare launched on Wednesday an AI-powered outreach initiative and expanded preparations to protect vulnerable residents as the city prepares for severe weather.
Taipei has 10,400 registered elderly residents living alone, prompting the city to launch an AI voice call service to assess needs. The system automates outbound calls, analyzes responses in real time, and flags high-risk cases for immediate follow-up by local service centers, allowing social workers to focus on in-person assistance.
Head of the Senior Welfare Division, Chao Chia-hui (趙佳慧), said the system reached all contacts compared to manual outreach at 50% to 60%, per CNA. She added that the project has undergone trial runs and optimization over the past year, incorporating user feedback and repeated scenario testing.
She said the AI system can save on average 10 minutes compared to manual calls. The system also categorizes responses and prioritizes cases, allowing social workers to focus on higher-need or at-risk individuals.
Chao said the AI system currently operates only in Mandarin but has been adjusted for slower speech to improve understanding among older users. Seniors have also been notified by social workers in advance to avoid confusion with scam calls.
The typhoon is expected to have the greatest impact on July 10 and 11, making July 8 and 9 the most critical window. The city typically conducts care calls one to two days before extreme weather events, including temperature spikes.
Social Welfare Commissioner Yao Shu-wen (姚淑文) said the initiative reflects a broader goal of delivering consistent quality care. By integrating AI with on-site visits, Taipei aims to strengthen its safety net, so that support is within an arm's reach.
Alongside digital outreach, the department has ordered welfare institutions to complete typhoon inspections, including securing supplies, preparing sandbags, and reviewing evacuation plans. Facilities are required to conduct regular drills and ensure readiness if conditions deteriorate, with agencies ready to assist, per UDN.
