INTELLIGENT tracking solutions firm Kinsetsu in Belfast has developed a new product to allow older people to live independently at home for longer.
'HomeHug' ensures family members are aware of environmental aspects which could have an adverse negative impact on health.
The technology uses sensors to capture data about the home environment, such as temperature and movement, and shares information with family members or friends, providing peace of mind for the elderly person and their extended family.
The company, based in the Harbour Estate, has added eight new people, with plans to recruit another five during the year.
Kinsetsu director Joanne O’Doherty said “Changes of just a few degrees in home temperature increases the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart failure fpr the over-70s. This increases the likelihood of unplanned hospital admission which creates pressures elsewhere in the health system.
“We use tiny sensors to create a solution to monitor the home environment and keep remote family members informed, providing alerts to prompt early intervention when needed. HomeHug is unique as it does not require electricity or broadband. It has been specifically designed to make it low cost and accessible for all.”
HomeHug monitors key environmental factors (like heat and lighting) in the home. A mobile app allows family members to view environmental information and issue alerts where abnormal changes may impact the older person’s health without intervention.
Joanne added: “An aging population and growing demand to support independent living to enable the elderly to live longer at home is not unique to Northern Ireland. One in five of the world’s population is predicted to be aged 65 or over in little more than a decade with the UK, Japan, Germany, Italy, USA and France predicted to have 'super-aged' populations by 2030.
“We were keen to act quickly to bring HomeHug to market to help us increase our client base in NI, GB and the Republic of Ireland and to break into the European market. Invest NI’s continued support makes this possible.”
Invest NI has offered Kinsetsu £243,000 of support towards research & development, marketing and key worker salaries. It has also offered support to help the company win £1m of new business across its product range, in a variety of sectors.
The agency's innovation, research & development director Dr Vicky Kell said: “Kinsetsu is an ambitious company continually looking to innovate and grow its product offering.
“Our support is enabling Kinsetsu to grow. The additional staff will add to its expertise and allow the company to build on its success in a diverse range of sectors and grow into new external markets.”
