Declining memory, reasoning, and thinking can gradually strip away a person’s independence, making simple outdoor activities like walking or gardening feel unsafe or out of reach—but Het Kompas is poised to change this for those with early to mid-stage dementia.
This homing compass, created in collaboration with people with dementia and researched by the Expertise Center for Dementia & Technology, features a built-in GPS tracker to always point home. In field testing with about 40 participants with varying stages of cognitive decline, only a few users (all in advanced stages) had difficulty using Het Kompas to make their way home.
A pair of graduates from Eindhoven University of Technology launched Aumens to bring Het Kompas to market, and the first batch of devices is set to ship in January 2026.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Assistive Navigation Devices
- Development of assistive navigation devices like Het Kompas opens new pathways for addressing the growing need for supportive technologies in cognitive health care.
- Personalized Dementia Care Technology
- The integration of user-centric design in dementia care technology, exemplified by Het Kompas, highlights a shift towards creating solutions that cater to individual capabilities and needs.
- Wearable Safety Gadgets
- The rise of wearable safety gadgets equipped with GPS tracking presents opportunities for enhancing personal security and autonomy among vulnerable populations.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Healthcare Technology
- Healthcare technology continues to evolve with innovations like Het Kompas, which supports the independence of individuals with cognitive impairments.
- Elderly Care Solutions
- Elderly care solutions are undergoing a transformation with the introduction of advanced technologies that facilitate safer, more independent living for seniors.
- Wearable Technology
- Wearable technology is seeing a boost in applications for health-related purposes, offering new tools for tracking, navigation, and personal safety.
