NTT Docomo, Japan’s top telecom operator, has created a new technology. It can measure both physical and mental pain. This innovation will change digital health and improve human-centered AI. Launched in November 2025, this innovation can change how medical professionals, wellness companies, and policymakers see and handle pain. Pain is one of humanity’s most personal experiences.
測定可能な痛みの新時代
従来、痛みは自己申告によって評価されており、そのレベルは一貫性がなく、主観的なものになりがちでした。一方、この新しいシステムは、A.I.主導のデータ分析と、神経パターンを認識する生体センサーを組み合わせることで、痛みの強さや心理的苦痛のレベルをより客観的に評価することができます。.
The reported system integrates data from facial expressions, voice tones, body movement patterns, and other physiological markers, such as heart rate variability and skin conductivity. With the integration of these inputs using machine learning models, Docomo’s platform can generate a quantitative “pain index,” thereby enabling faster and more personalized treatments.
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According to the company, the long-term objective is to create a comprehensive assessment tool that can be used in other settings besides hospitals—such as workplaces, sports, and elderly care facilities—since early detection of pain or stress can significantly enhance one’s quality of life.
技術と健康の架け橋
Japan’s national strategy focuses on digital health innovation for this project. It addresses the urgent challenge of an aging population. Japan, with over 29% of its citizens aged 65 or older, urgently needs quick and effective healthcare solutions.
By quantifying pain, Docomo’s technology would enable physicians to catch symptoms much earlier and administer appropriate treatment. Insurers and pharmaceutical firms could also use such data to refine health models, clinical trials, and their drug efficacy assessments for better efficiency in the ecosystem.
日本のハイテク産業への影響
DOCOMO’s innovation underscores the ever-growing crossroads between telecommunications and biomedical technology, a sector which Japan is fast embracing. The research in-house displays how AI can go beyond automation and communication to bridge the gap between physical well-being and digital intelligence.
Japan’s AI healthcare market will grow rapidly. It is expected to exceed $2.5 billion by 2030, based on industry forecasts. Companies that focus on sensor tech, data analysis, and wearables will find new chances to collaborate. This growth comes from the rising need for non-invasive health monitoring tools.
The project boosts Japan’s edge against global leaders like Google Health and Apple’s HealthKit. Docomo designs solutions that suit Japanese culture and healthcare. This boosts its role in ethical, human-centered AI use.
ビジネスと経済への影響
ビジネスの観点からは、NTTドコモがさまざまな業界で新たな収入源を得るきっかけになるかもしれません。病院での診断目的での利用、従業員のストレスレベルを把握するためのウェルネス・プログラムでの雇用主による利用、セラピー・サポート・システムのためのメンタルヘルス・スタートアップへのライセンス供与などが考えられます。.
Besides, data coming from such systems-when anonymized and managed in an ethical way-can feed into national health analytics to underpin public policy and preventive healthcare. For technology firms, this opens the doors for AI-as-a-service models on well-being analytics and can potentially fuel growth in Japan’s healthtech startup ecosystem as well.
革新と倫理のバランス
メリットは明らかですが、この技術には倫理的な懸念もあります。痛みのような個人的な感情を測定することは、プライバシー、同意、データの取り扱いに関する懸念を引き起こします。NTTドコモはAIにおけるデータと倫理の保護に取り組んでいます。NTTドコモは、AIにおけるデータと倫理の保護に取り組んでいます。.
Japan’s careful approach to AI in healthcare emphasizes responsibility and social value. This could inspire other countries as global debates on the topic grow stronger.
結論
This tech breakthrough shows Japan’s vision for a future where AI boosts human well-being. It turns personal experiences into real data. This lets technology link with emotions, health, and the human body in fresh ways. This innovation is close to becoming common. It could transform Japan’s healthcare and tech sectors. This change could help Japan lead the world in empathetic AI. It blends innovation with a human touch.


