NEXT GENERATION ‘SMART CANE’

     Japanese technology giant Fujitsu has developed a walking stick for the Next Generation. The newly developed cane is designed to help elderly people find their way, as well as to monitor things such as heart rate and temperature. The elderly’s location can also be followed online and can be set up to send email alerts if it thinks the user may have fallen over.

     Technology for the elderly is a key concern for Japan’s aging population. Several companies like Fujitsu are looking at ways to help us remain digital and connected later into our lives.

     This cane is equipped with various connection technologies such as GPS, 3G and wifi—and has an LED display on top of the handle. If a change of direction is needed, the walking stick vibrates, and an arrow appears.

     Although designed for the elderly, Fujitsu envisions it being used by any vulnerable person. The stick sends data back to a host computer, so a caregiver or relative can see the location of the elderly, with additional data, such as heart rate being streamed. If the stick detects an irregular heartbeat, it can automatically contact emergency services.

     At this time, there is not yet a planned release date for the Next Generation Cane.