Panasonic unveils an AI-powered digital wellness coach for families

Families today face a constant tug-of-war between their wellness needs and life's relentless demands. Chronic stress, endless to-do lists, and disjointed wellness solutions have left parents and caregivers feeling overwhelmed. Panasonic Well CEO Yoky Matsuoka, alongside Panasonic Holdings Group CEO Yuki Kusumi, took this year's CES stage to introduce a transformative wellness ecosystem designed to help modern families not just survive but thrive.

"When we say families, we mean all the people we cherish and connect with closely — whether it's our nuclear families, neighborhood families, or anything in between," Matsuoka shared, setting the tone for an ambitious new chapter in Panasonic's storied history of innovation.

How does it work?

At the heart of this initiative lies Umi, a digital wellness coach tailored for families. Imagine a platform that understands the chaos of family life and offers personalized wellness pathways. Umi integrates AI-driven insights, expert guidance, and data from trusted partners to create actionable wellness plans. Categories include movement, nutrition, personal time, and family bonding — all backed by science.

Umi's key features:

• Tailored Wellness Plans: Customized routines for families, blending expert-backed methods with real-life practicality.
• Conversational AI Support: Helps ease decision fatigue by suggesting personalized activities, assisting with planning, and facilitating reflective family conversations.
• Shared Dashboard: A visual hub displaying progress, insights, and upcoming activities to foster teamwork.
• Partner Integrations: Collaborations with organizations like the National Sleep Foundation ensure evidence-based content, while partnerships with brands like Thumbtack simplify life management.

By leveraging Anthropic's Claude AI, known for its advanced reasoning capabilities, Umi offers an intuitive experience, making wellness less of a burden and more of a family affair.

Why does it matter?

The stakes couldn't be higher. With the wellness industry now valued at $6 trillion, families are still struggling to find solutions that genuinely ease their burdens. A recent U.S. Surgeon General advisory likened the mental health crisis facing parents to a public health emergency. Over 65% of parents report feeling disconnected, and 73% say spending time with family is paramount. Yet, the relentless pressures of caregiving — especially for those in the sandwich generation supporting both aging parents and young children — make wellness seem like a pipe dream.

"Stress and lack of time have turned wellness into a zero-sum game for parents," Matsuoka noted. "With Umi, we're aiming to flip the script by making wellness achievable, even in the busiest households."

The context

Panasonic Well's latest endeavor builds on a century of trusted innovation. From pioneering home appliances to today's advanced AI-driven solutions, Panasonic has always been at the forefront of consumer-centric technology. But this initiative isn't just about gadgets — it's about creating an ecosystem where technology adapts to human needs.

The company's partnership with Anthropic underscores a commitment to ethical AI. "Our shared commitment to responsible AI development drives this collaboration," said Daniela Amodei, President and Co-Founder of Anthropic. Together, they're setting a new standard for AI-driven consumer solutions.

Adding to the momentum, Panasonic Well announced its Partner Collective, bringing together brands across wellness, tech, and research to enrich the Umi experience. Names like Aaptiv, BlueApron, and Calm are already onboard, ensuring families get premium content and services. And with the launch of the Family Wellness Innovation Challenge, Panasonic Well is doubling down on innovation, awarding $1 million to groundbreaking startups ready to shape the future of wellness.

As Elise Neel, Head of Global Strategy and Innovation at Panasonic Well, aptly put it, "It's not just about creating products or services — it's about building adaptive solutions that evolve with our customers."

With Umi poised to roll out in 2025, Panasonic Well isn't just entering the wellness market — it's rewriting the rules for what family wellness can be.