It sure feels like anything that can have a GPS equipped into it these days, and apparently walking canes are no exception.
The walking canes with the built-in GPS have been dubbed 'The Aid' by Lithuanian concept designer Egle Ugintaite. The benefits of sticking a GPS tracker into a walking cane are numerous. Not only will it help the injured and elderly find their way around, it can also be an indispensable tool for finding someone who has been hurt or injured while on a walk. The walking canes are capable of alerting nearby emergency services in cases where they are needed. Considering how many stories one hears on the news about an elderly person spending hours or even days lost outside, this is one design that could potentially save lives.
Japanese company Fujitsu is working with Ugintaite about creating a commercially available model.
What's Driving This Trend
- Gps-equipped Mobility Devices
- Technology embedded mobility devices, such as walking canes, may enhance safety and security for the elderly and injured.
- Emergency Response Wearables
- Wearable technology that can alert nearby emergency services in critical situations is crucial towards safety and care for the elderly and injured.
- Smart Assistive Devices
- The integration of technology in assistive devices can bring significant improvements to the daily lives of the elderly and injured.
Who This Affects Most
- Healthcare
- GPS trackers can be integrated into assistive devices and mobility aids for elderly care and rehabilitation, leveraging the rise of telemedicine.
- Technology
- Wearable tech and location-based services can create new market opportunities in the assistive tech industry, as seen in GPS-equipped walking canes.
- Insurance
- GPS-equipped mobility devices can incentivize insurance providers to offer lower premiums or special packages for policyholders, increasing safety and reducing costs.
