Each year, approximately 500,000 people worldwide experience falls while using their walkers, leading to significant suffering and injury. Out of these incidents, 150,000 result in hip fractures, contributing to a staggering €5.5 billion in healthcare costs globally. In response to this pressing issue, Lanefyld, in collaboration with Kinetic Analysis, is developing a groundbreaking solution named FLORA.
What is the Prollator?
The Prollator is an advanced smart system designed to recognize risky situations for walker users. When a potential fall risk is detected, the system automatically blocks the walker's wheels, providing stability and preventing falls. This modular system can be applied to various types of walkers available on the market. The electronics and braking logic were meticulously developed by Kinetic Analysis, and the system's effectiveness was validated by clinical scientists working with physiotherapists in nursing homes.
Addressing the Problem with Innovation
FLORA, building on the Prollator's foundation, monitors walker users through advanced sensor technology, activating the brakes when necessary to prevent falls. Walkers are incorrectly or unsafely used in 50% of cases, often leading to dangerous situations and accidents. When a fall occurs, the consequences can be severe, including social isolation, loss of independence, and, in the worst cases, death. FLORA aims to be the ABS system for walkers, significantly reducing these risks and enhancing the safety of users.
How FLORA Works
FLORA employs smart technology to assess whether an accident is imminent. If the system determines that the user is in danger, based on sensor data from the device, it intervenes by activating the electric brakes. Additionally, it provides feedback through vibrations in the handle, alerting users to adjust their posture. This proactive feedback mechanism allows users to correct themselves or brace, continuing their journey safely.
Reducing Healthcare Costs
The increasing pressure on healthcare staff is a growing concern within the healthcare industry due to staff shortages and an ageing population. Automated systems like the FLORA, which support older adults and operate independently, give healthcare professionals more time to focus on providing personal care. By preventing falls, this solution benefits health economics, reducing the financial burden on healthcare systems. The Prollator project was realized with Lanefyld as the initiator and financial support by the Dutch government through the MIT South R&D program of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
Seamless Integration of Technology and Design
Safety is paramount, but FLORA also emphasizes aesthetics and user-friendliness. All the technology is seamlessly integrated into the frame of the walker, making it as easy to use as any traditional walker. Users do not need any special training to operate FLORA, and the system's electronics are discreetly hidden, ensuring that users appear just like any other walker user but with significantly enhanced safety.
Conclusion
FLORA represents a significant leap forward in the safety and usability of walkers. By combining advanced sensor technology with intuitive feedback mechanisms, FLORA not only prevents falls but also maintains the simplicity and elegance of traditional walkers. This innovative solution from Lanefyld and Kinetic Analysis is poised to make a profound impact on the lives of walker users worldwide, offering them greater safety, independence, and peace of mind. The Prollator project exemplifies how smart automated braking systems can enhance the quality of care for users while simultaneously reducing healthcare costs and easing the burden on healthcare professionals.
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