Engineers are using wireless technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to covertly monitor elderly individuals in their homes and provide early warning of developing health issues. The novel system, developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo, correctly and continually monitors a person’s actions while gathering crucial data without the use of a wearable device and notifying medical professionals when assistance is required.
While overburdened public healthcare systems struggle to address the urgent requirements of quickly expanding older populations, Shaker and his colleagues’ work is being welcomed. Even if a senior lives in long-term care, it’s nearly impossible to monitor their activities and spot issues around-the-clock, despite the fact that their physical or mental state can change quickly. Moreover, various monitoring systems that are already in place.
The innovative system functions in the following manner: initially, a wireless transmitter transmits low-power waveforms across an interior area, such as a long-term care facility room, an apartment, or a house.
The waves are recorded and analyzed by a receiver as they pass through various objects and the targets of the monitoring. An AI engine uses this data to decode the processed waves for use in detection and monitoring applications.
The system doesn’t have the disadvantages of wearable monitoring devices, which can be uncomfortable and frequently need battery charging. Instead, it uses extremely low-power radar technology and can be put easily on a wall or ceiling.“Using our wireless technology in homes and long-term care homes can effectively monitor various activities such as sleeping, watching TV, eating and the frequency of bathroom use,” Shaker said.
“Currently, the system can alert care workers to a general decline in mobility, increased likelihood of falls, possibility of a urinary tract infection, and the onset of several other medical conditions.”
Waterloo researchers have partnered with a Canadian company, Gold Sentintel, to commercialize the technology, which has already been installed in several long-term care homes.
