Smart Technology and Fall Detection for Older Australians | Research Capability & Technology Portfolio

Developing wearable technology for detecting falls in older people in order to reduce the risk of lying undiscovered for a long period. This wearable technology can be adapted into smart phones and smart watches, and forms part of a holistic approach to aged care.

Competitive advantage

Wearable fall detector with 95% accuracy
Lowest false alarm rate reported in literature
Lightweight, comfortable and low cost
Optimised battery life – 4 years, no charging, no battery replacement

Impact

Approximately one-third of community dwelling residents aged over 65 experience at least one fall a year, with the chance of falling increasing with age. About half of all elderly people who fall without being seriously injured are unable to get up and this leads to further limitation of functional activities and physical outcomes such as muscle damage, dehydration, hypothermia, pneumonia and increased mortality.

Successful outcomes

Tested in the lab and in real life, with healthy volunteers.

Capabilities and facilities

45 prototypes ready for trials with older Australians
The capability to adapt the algorithms for use with mobile phone technology
Working to integrate the falls detector into a “smart-home” designed for older Australians

Our partners

Vitalcare Pty Ltd