Plug It In And Keep Grandma Safe
The number of Americans over the age of 65 is projected to balloon from 43 million to 55 million by 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
About 15 million of them will live alone. It’s that population — and their caregivers — that could benefit from a Portland startup’s sensor technology.
MotioSens patented smart technology “unobtrusively monitors the daily activities of people living independently,” said CEO David Edwards. The device plugs into outlets around the home and provides an invisible sensing network that picks up movements and daily activities, including walking speed and caregiver interactions.
The idea originated from work in wireless transceivers conducted by Peter Jacobs, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Oregon Health & Science University. He came up with the application for the idea in collaboration with Eric Wan, an assistant professor in electrical engineering at Portland State University, then the startup was spun off.
The technology: A patented, smart home technology that unobtrusively monitors daily activities of people living independently, without requiring the use of a wearable device. The technology, according to the company, is particularly relevant for the children and caregivers of seniors living independently, in-home care providers, research organizations and retirement communities.
How it makes money: The majority of revenue will be driven by a monthly subscription.
Size of the market: The market for companies providing personal emergency response systems is estimated to be between $1.5 billion and $2 billion by 2017, according to the company.
Competition: MotioSens says technology using infrared sensors only gives room-level information and doesn’t work well with open floor plans or with multiple people around. The well-known LifeAlert pendant is old tech that requires someone to push a button to alert emergency services,
Competitive advantage: MotioSens says its biggest advantage is that it doesn’t require a wearable device. That’s critical because one in three seniors fall after the age of 65, yet 50 percent of all seniors forget or choose not to wear a device that would alert emergency services.
Capital raised:$1.4 million in grants from the National Institute of Health and Alzheimer’s Association.
Capital sought:$1 million to bring product to market.
Ideal exit: A sale to a company that would be able to commit to and accelerate deployment of technology that enables the elderly to live safely and longer in their own homes.
Source: Portland Business Journal, Elizabeth Hayes
Photo: MotioSens CEO David Edwards says the company’s sensors plug into outlets, providing an invisible sensing network that picks up movements and other data. (Cathy Cheney)