AgeLab research inspires an A I startup
When Don Yansen ’63 arrived at the MIT AgeLab for a study on technology in caregiving for older adults, he didn’t plan to launch another company. But when he heard participants talk about how hard modern devices can be to use, he decided to develop an alternative. Yansen, a serial entrepreneur who retired to care for…
Don Yansen '63, a retired individual who once pursued a study on technology in caregiving for older adults at the MIT AgeLab, had no intention of founding another company. However, after listening to participants express their difficulties in using modern devices, Yansen decided to create an alternative solution. As a serial entrepreneur with a background in electrical engineering and physics from MIT, Yansen emphasized his belief in solving complex problems.
One significant challenge he identified was that many older adults struggle to operate even basic devices like cell phones and Apple Watches. To address this issue, Yansen founded Kiwi Health in October 2024, a company that sells a wristband controlled primarily by voice. This device allows users to set reminders, make calls, send texts, and share health data without the need to navigate screens.
The AI technology integrated into the wristband interprets these voice commands, adapting to any changes in the user's voice that may come with age.
Additionally, the Kiwi Health wristband monitors health metrics and automatically notifies caregivers in case of falls. Yansen's ultimate goal is to enable seniors to live their best lives possible through this innovative device.
Written by urgent.news from MIT Technology Review's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
