active protective
Hip protection for elder adults using wearable airbags.
We first set out on a mission to determine fall-risk factors, in order to identify those patients at a 15% or greater statistical probability of breaking their hip. We then developed a methodology using 3D motion sensors to determine the stereotypical motions and accelerations that govern our normal, daily activities, in order to determine ‘departures’ from what is allowable. This simple-to-understand technique, called “fall disambiguation”, allows us to determine falls with unprecedented accuracy. It allows us to determine falls prior to impact, giving us the ability to intervene by deploying micro-airbag protection. We’ve demonstrated the ability to reduce impact force by 90% with our garments, which will provide an unprecedented level of hip protection.