The elderly are quite prone to falls, what with their decreasing strength and worsening eyesight. As their kids go out, they are hounded by a constantly worry of their aged parents at home. A research team at the University of Missouri has found a way to ensure that provides immediate assistance if a senior citizen is unfortunate enough to fall at home.
âSmart Carpetâ electronically monitors a seniorâs location and sounds alarm on detection of a fall. It does this using a special âorganic ink.â This ink is used to paint numerous small sensors on a sheet between the carpet and carpet pad. These sensors constantly note the position of the elderly and are ready to send out a signal if something goes wrong.
Thereâs an obvious advantage to the smart carpet in giving out alerts by default. This means that the senior gets the help without asking for it explicitly â especially in situations which makes them unconscious. Already, researchers are using data provided by these sensors by feeding it into computers to determine if the individual was in actual danger. If all goes well, we could see these carpets being rolled out commercially within a matter of two years.