Artificial intelligence socks for people with autism and dementia
Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2024 9:59 am
They're AI-powered, machine washable, and battery-free. That's something we thought we'd never be able to say about socks, but we can say it about Milbotix's SmartSocks.
These are medical socks that can detect distress in people with autism and dementia. SmartSocks are specifically designed for use in nursing homes or in their own homes where they may not be constantly surrounded by primary caregivers.
“SmartSocks, developed by Milbotix, seem to be the most Bulk SMS India appropriate type of smart wearable because they are potentially less stigmatizing than a bracelet or other types of wearables,” said Jacqui Arnold, head of customer experience at Milbotix.
Successful trials across the UK
SmartSocks will be tested in nursing homes in Dorset, southwest England. The socks are equipped with sensors that connect to an app on a mobile device. The sensors collect physiological information from the wearer’s ankle and send it to the app. This data is transmitted to a cloud platform, where machine learning algorithms process the information.
Sophisticated algorithms, for which a patent is pending, then assess the likelihood that the person wearing the SmartSocks is experiencing stress. When the AI software detects any abnormality, it alerts the app to distress. The care team can then intervene and take the necessary steps.
The BBC interviewed Mr Piper, who suffers from dementia and has lived in the old parish house since November 2022, and said he did not mind being a test subject.
“I am happy with anything that is simple and easy to do and improves our outlook on life in general,” he said.
SmartSocks will be released in 2024 after funding is allocated under the Social Assistance Digitization Program.
One in 11 pensioners in England suffers from dementia
According to the National Health Service (NHS), more than 944,000 people in the UK have dementia. One in eleven people over the age of 65 in the UK has dementia, and this number is only increasing as life expectancy increases. The NHS estimates that by 2030 the number of people with dementia in the UK will exceed 1 million.
The idea for SmartSocks came to the sock inventor when he witnessed his grandmother's journey with dementia, during which she became anxious and aggressive. Dr. Zeke Steer, CEO of Milbotix, said : "This year's product is the result of extensive research, consultation and development."
“So far, SmartSocks have been incredibly well received in care set
These are medical socks that can detect distress in people with autism and dementia. SmartSocks are specifically designed for use in nursing homes or in their own homes where they may not be constantly surrounded by primary caregivers.
“SmartSocks, developed by Milbotix, seem to be the most Bulk SMS India appropriate type of smart wearable because they are potentially less stigmatizing than a bracelet or other types of wearables,” said Jacqui Arnold, head of customer experience at Milbotix.
Successful trials across the UK
SmartSocks will be tested in nursing homes in Dorset, southwest England. The socks are equipped with sensors that connect to an app on a mobile device. The sensors collect physiological information from the wearer’s ankle and send it to the app. This data is transmitted to a cloud platform, where machine learning algorithms process the information.
Sophisticated algorithms, for which a patent is pending, then assess the likelihood that the person wearing the SmartSocks is experiencing stress. When the AI software detects any abnormality, it alerts the app to distress. The care team can then intervene and take the necessary steps.
The BBC interviewed Mr Piper, who suffers from dementia and has lived in the old parish house since November 2022, and said he did not mind being a test subject.
“I am happy with anything that is simple and easy to do and improves our outlook on life in general,” he said.
SmartSocks will be released in 2024 after funding is allocated under the Social Assistance Digitization Program.
One in 11 pensioners in England suffers from dementia
According to the National Health Service (NHS), more than 944,000 people in the UK have dementia. One in eleven people over the age of 65 in the UK has dementia, and this number is only increasing as life expectancy increases. The NHS estimates that by 2030 the number of people with dementia in the UK will exceed 1 million.
The idea for SmartSocks came to the sock inventor when he witnessed his grandmother's journey with dementia, during which she became anxious and aggressive. Dr. Zeke Steer, CEO of Milbotix, said : "This year's product is the result of extensive research, consultation and development."
“So far, SmartSocks have been incredibly well received in care set