[AI for the Elderly ⑤] “Let’s go slowly”… AI becomes ‘Toilet Notifier’
DFree, a Japanese company founded by Nakanishi Atsushi, has developed a device that helps people with urinary and bowel incontinence. The device, which uses an ultrasound sensor to track bladder levels, alerts users when it's time to use the restroom. Since its launch in 2015, DFree has been used in over 400 facilities, and its effectiveness has been confirmed through data, with one care facility seeing a 30-50% reduction in staff accompanying elderly residents to the restroom.
The device is covered by Japan's long-term care insurance and costs around 10% of the list price for individuals and 25% for facilities. Nakanishi plans to expand the device's capabilities to track bowel movements as well.
Written by urgent.news from Hankyoreh's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
