Meiji Co., Ltd. and Fujitsu Limited pilot AI-powered rRAFU app
World-first malnutrition and frailty risk indicator supports early behavioral intervention among seniors.
www.fujitsu.com
Meiji Co., Ltd. and Fujitsu Limited have launched a pilot project in Kawasaki City to evaluate the social implementation of rRAFU™ (Rapid Risk Assessment Tool for Future Undernutrition Status), described as the world’s first indicator designed to predict future malnutrition and frailty risks. The initiative targets approximately 240 residents aged 60 and over and will run from February to June 2026.
AI-enabled self-care application
At the core of the pilot is a self-care support app jointly developed by Meiji and Fujitsu. The application integrates the rRAFU indicator with Fujitsu’s AI-driven behavioral change support technology. Participants answer 13 structured questions covering four domains—nutrition-related factors, eating habits, physical activity, and food-related quality of life (QOL).
Based on the resulting score, users receive a personalized risk assessment projecting potential malnutrition and frailty risk approximately two years ahead. The app then guides participants in selecting manageable lifestyle improvement plans, such as dietary adjustments and exercise routines.
Fujitsu’s AI engine analyzes individual activity patterns and sends tailored prompts via email to encourage sustained engagement. After roughly three months, researchers will assess behavioral adherence, feasibility, and measurable lifestyle changes.
Addressing early-stage frailty prevention
Japan’s rapidly aging population has intensified focus on preventive healthcare strategies. Malnutrition and frailty often remain undetected until physical decline is evident, limiting the effectiveness of traditional intervention models.
The rRAFU framework aims to shift prevention upstream by visualizing latent risk before symptoms emerge. By combining predictive risk modeling with AI-driven behavioral reinforcement, the pilot seeks to validate a scalable model for early self-care adoption and long-term health management.
Roles and technical framework
- Meiji: Developed the rRAFU indicator and leads project design, nutritional framework development, and risk-to-action translation mechanisms.
- Fujitsu: Developed and operates the AI-based application infrastructure, enabling personalized behavioral nudging and engagement analytics.
The collaboration builds on Meiji’s nutrition research and Fujitsu’s digital health and AI capabilities, targeting practical, low-burden self-care adoption among older adults.
If validated, the model may serve as a foundation for broader social deployment, supporting healthier aging and reducing long-term care burdens through predictive digital health tools.
www.fujitsu.com
