Fall detection and autonomy for the elderly are the focus of CES in Las Vegas this year. Cherish Health introduced the $300 Serenity device that uses radar to blanket an entire home with fall-detection powers. Zoe Care takes a different approach, using existing Wi-Fi signals (and the way our bodies change the way Wi-Fi reception works) to detect people and their activities.
Using Wi-Fi signals is a pretty cool, non-intrusive solution that addresses the core issues of privacy and ease of use that often plague conventional remote monitoring technologies. The device acts as a smart plug and uses a sensor to collect and analyze Wi-Fi signals. If a fall is detected, these signals are translated into alerts in a mobile app. Covering up to 800 square feet, just one device can secure multiple rooms or even an entire floor, making it an efficient, cost-effective solution.
“We are currently beta testing with nursing homes. A consumer version will be available by the end of the year. The fall detector will be offered as a subscription service, around $20-25 per month in the US,” says Piotr Antonik, co-founder and CTO of Zoe Care.
They gave a short demo:
“Zoe Fall is a manifestation of our mission to help seniors maintain their independence. Our innovative Wi-Fi-based fall detection solution respects privacy and provides peace of mind to millions of seniors,” says Zoe Care co-founder and CEO Thomas Saphir. “We believe this technology can revolutionize elder care.”
Unlike other solutions that require significant computing power and cloud processing, Zoe Fall’s algorithm is built directly into the Wi-Fi receiver for ultimate privacy. The company says its technology matches or exceeds competing solutions in terms of performance, making it an ideal solution for caregivers who prioritize both efficiency and privacy.
“Our technology focuses on the shape of the Wi-Fi wave, not its content. No information is transmitted to the cloud. The only output is the alert message sent to caregivers or relatives when a fall is detected,” says Antonik. “We plan to extend Wi-Fi sensing technology to remote patient monitoring. Our goal is to analyze chronic diseases and provide monthly health reports to monitor conditions such as heart disease.”
Deploying the Zoe Fall is simple: the Wi-Fi waves emitted by an existing internet box or router are captured by the Zoe Care plug. The AI inside the sensor then analyzes the wave changes to recognize movements and detect falls. If a fall is detected, a notification is immediately sent to the smartphone of a caregiver or relative.
With a subscription cost of $20-$30 per month and no upfront costs, Zoe Care is a cost-effective solution in this space, giving care homes a powerful tool in their arsenal to ensure that if someone falls, help can be rushed to to help them.
