Smart Carpet Can Save Fallen Elderly January 31, 2008

Read more Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Technology

Having seen first-hand the incredible damage an old person can do to themselves by taking a seemingly minor fall, it’s heartening to see something in the works that could make a real difference.

This is the Smart Carpet which can monitor a old person’s location and sound and in the event of a fall, alert a caregiver. Currently in research by the University of Missouri, the carpet uses a new sensor that can be printed on thin, flexible sheets using inexpensive "organic ink."

The sensors can be laid out in their thousands between the carpet layers and relay constant monitoring information to systems in care homes. The researchers claim the technology could be brought to market in less than two years.

Inventor and university professor, Harry Tyrer says: “This is an unobtrusive monitoring system that will increase the safety of seniors and improve their ability to live independently. Current floor sensor systems rely on vibration readings that may be easily misinterpreted. I think of the ‘smart carpet’ system as a significant improvement and a way for seniors to live both independently and safely longer, providing caregivers or family members an electronic emergency alert system.”

At present, an elderly person dies in the UK every five hours as the result of a fall.-Martin Lynch

[Gizmodo US via University of Missouri]