International tech trial to detect falls

Fujitsu and Wakayama Medical University have announced the start of joint trials of technology to support nurses and caregivers in visually monitoring patients in privacy-sensitive contexts, including hospital rooms and nursing facilities.

The technology leverages Fujitsu’s technique for accurately estimating postures of the human body using a millimetre-wave sensor and Fujitsu’s Actlyzer AI technology for analysis of complex human behaviours.

Using a millimetre-wave sensor to gather point cloud data and no cameras, Fujitsu’s technology will help to support nurses and caregivers to monitor patients and achieve a faster response to emergency situations including falls and possible serious injuries while ensuring patients’ privacy. While cameras were used during the trial phase, no cameras will be needed in real-life settings. 

Fujitsu will analyse data obtained through the trials and further refine its technology based on analysis results evaluated by Wakayama Medical University, drawing on the Wakayama Medical University’s knowledge from the medical field.

In 2021, the Japan Hospital Association counted a total of 290 falls per month at 18 hospitals in Japan. Although these numbers highlight the risk of falls and injuries of elderly people and the need for patient monitoring, monitoring technologies using cameras remain difficult to install in highly private spaces such as hospitals and nursing homes.

The two parties aim to offer a millimetre-wave sensor service for privacy-conscious monitoring to hospitals and nursing facilities in 2023. Ultimately, they hope to contribute to enriching people’s lives by realising an environment in which elderly people can enjoy greater independence and privacy without sacrificing their personal safety.

Image credit: iStock.com/Enigmangel