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The National Metal and Materials Technology Centre and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (MTEC-NTSDA) have developed Gunther Bath. This new system detects, and signals fall and slips in bathrooms. With the objective of privacy protection, Gunther Bath is specifically designed for wall-mounted installation without image recording.
This design consideration reflects an understanding of the challenges posed by declining physical strength as individuals age. By targeting the risks associated with unstable mobility and weakened health, the system emphasises the importance of timely assistance in preventing severe injuries resulting from falls.
Dr Sarawut Lerspalungsanti, Director of the Engineering Design and Computation Research Group at MTEC, presented an in-depth overview of Gunther Bath, an innovative solution addressing the challenges associated with bathroom falls and slips. The system comprises multiple components, each crucial in ensuring user safety and privacy.
Gunther Bath is a wall-mounted ambient ultra-wideband sensor strategically positioned to detect movement within the bathroom environment. This sensor employs cutting-edge technology and utilises artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to process the collected data. The sensor can promptly identify potential falls and slips by continuously monitoring the surroundings, providing crucial insights for preventive measures.
The Learning and Need-Anticipating Hub (LANAH) serves as the central control system of Gunther Bath will send the real-time data from the ambient sensor, effectively processing and analysing it. This hub is an intelligent interface communicating with other devices, ensuring seamless integration and data transmission.
Additionally, Gunther Bath features a well-living application designed to enhance user experience and caregiver support. This application is a user-friendly mobile app that caregivers can install on their smartphones or tablets.
It enables them to receive instant notifications regarding detected falls or slips, allowing immediate response and necessary assistance. This feature enables caregivers to remain connected and informed, even when not physically present in the bathroom.
Gunther Bath utilises sensor technology to monitor and detect user behaviour in bathrooms. A wall-mounted ambient sensor captures and analyses the user’s posture and movements, with the collected data processed using artificial intelligence (AI). In the event of a fall, the system promptly notifies the caregiver through a well-living application.
Upon receiving the notification, the caregiver can engage with the individual via the app and a speaker mounted on the bathroom wall, guiding while medical assistance is en route. This comprehensive system aims to enhance safety and enable timely support in bathroom-related emergencies.
Gunther Bath distinguishes itself through its notable attributes encompassing privacy preservation, precise detection capabilities, and cost-effectiveness.
To safeguard user privacy, Gunther Bath refrains from capturing or storing images. Instead, its AI system has been trained to recognise movement patterns, enabling accurate detection of falls.
Moreover, the device’s monitoring capacity is designed to focus on one individual at a time, ensuring optimal performance while keeping production costs minimal. This emphasis on affordability makes Gunther Bath an accessible and cost-effective solution.
Gunther Bath, an outcome of MTEC’s innovative design initiatives, seeks to enhance independent living for seniors by enabling remote safety monitoring from relatives and caregivers.
This advanced technology presents promising opportunities for licensing or research collaborations, offering avenues for continued advancement and application in elderly care. Sarawut and his team believed Gunther Bath strives to revolutionise how seniors are supported and cared for daily.
