Interview: Galileo makes it happen
October 29, 2009
The telehealth company Aipermon receives a special prize for its invention at the European satellite competition.
Thanks to the system, it is possible to localize the position of people in need of care in an emergency. As soon as someone with dementia, for example, leaves a specified area, the device sends an SMS to friends, relatives or caregivers.
Dr. Thomas Schweizer, Executive Director of Aipermon, explains the details in an interview.
What is so special about your invention?
The solution shows what the seamless combination of three different technologies can do: An acceleration sensor measures whether a person is resting or moving around. Satellite technology makes it possible to locate that person's position. And in case of an emergency, people can use the integrated wireless transmitter to make an emergency call with just the push of a button. These three combined technologies give us an entirely new healthcare solution.
The solution shows what the seamless combination of three different technologies can do: An acceleration sensor measures whether a person is resting or moving around. Satellite technology makes it possible to locate that person's position. And in case of an emergency, people can use the integrated wireless transmitter to make an emergency call with just the push of a button. These three combined technologies give us an entirely new healthcare solution.
What inspired you to create this solution?
Most of all, we paid attention to the needs of people close to those with dementia or those who need care. It is a tremendous emotional burden for them to always be ready to respond to an emergency and constantly keep an eye on the person for whom they are responsible. After all it is dangerous when people who are confused leave their house alone and wander around without knowing where they are. The solution is designed to improve the quality of life for people in need of care and those close to them.
Most of all, we paid attention to the needs of people close to those with dementia or those who need care. It is a tremendous emotional burden for them to always be ready to respond to an emergency and constantly keep an eye on the person for whom they are responsible. After all it is dangerous when people who are confused leave their house alone and wander around without knowing where they are. The solution is designed to improve the quality of life for people in need of care and those close to them.
Why did you decide to enter the competition?
We saw the opportunities that result from combining these three technologies. Our expertise in the telehealth sector is the perfect complement to T-Systems' IT and communications expertise. For example, there is a secure Internet site that shows you were the person in question is currently located. Designing something like that requires a lot of know-how in the areas of Internet technology, mobile communications and satellite technology.
We saw the opportunities that result from combining these three technologies. Our expertise in the telehealth sector is the perfect complement to T-Systems' IT and communications expertise. For example, there is a secure Internet site that shows you were the person in question is currently located. Designing something like that requires a lot of know-how in the areas of Internet technology, mobile communications and satellite technology.
What other opportunities do you think Galileo offers when it comes to locating people?
I would imagine that people working in forests could use a similar solution to make an emergency call in remote areas and let others know where they are located. I see a lot of potential for these and similar solutions which make life more simple and secure for a lot of people.
I would imagine that people working in forests could use a similar solution to make an emergency call in remote areas and let others know where they are located. I see a lot of potential for these and similar solutions which make life more simple and secure for a lot of people.
