Melbourne-based research and advanced manufacturing company known as Sleeptite, has launched the world-first smart monitoring system, REMi, with great potential to transform the aged care industry. The integrated sensing and data platform will allow for advanced monitoring and care for it’s residents through sensory monitoring.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the sensor we developed leaping out from our lab and into the world, to improve the care of some of our most vulnerable people.” - Professor Madhu Bhaskaran, co-leader of the Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group at RMIT.
What is the technology and what is it capable of?
- REMi has been designed to enable the aged care workforce to non-intrusively monitor residents during the night and receive alerts at critical moments such as if a resident falls, or is at risk of falling. Carers will also be able to monitor the presence or absence of a person in bed.
- It concludes of a three-part system comprising of flexible sensors integrated into a medical grade mattress cover.
- Vital information can be monitored - such as a residents position on the mattress, which then allows signs, abnormalites or potential health risks to be detected.
- REMi can help prevent falls.
- Setting the REMi system apart from existing aged care monitoring devices, are two world-first advancements developed in Melbourne. The first advancement is the flexible and stretchable sensors, that can monitor movement and vital signs when embedded in materials, which sit externally to the human body. Number two, the advanced manufacturing equipment and processes, developed by Sleepeezee Bedding Australia.
- These processes are important, as it allows the sensors which were developed in a laboratory setting to be mass produced for real-world usage.
In addition to these advancements, further testing is already proving that the technology is also able to monitor more health parameters, including respiratory and heart rate readings, with future developments to be added as field trials begin in coming months.
Excitement and enthusiasm has been shown widely across the board. Professor Madhu Bhaskaran, co-leader of the Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group at RMIT, said the collaboration was a model for deep engagement between universities and industry.
“REMi shows the power of true partnership and the extraordinary results we can achieve through a collaboration built on mutual respect and clear, shared goals,” Bhaskaran said.
“We’ve gone from lab bench to commercialisation in just three years – solving myriad challenges along the way – to deliver smart home-grown tech that will be manufactured right here in Australia.