All companies benefit from a listing in TIME magazine. Interesting to see Agetech applications are already scaling-up via leading US retailers.
Every year TIME gathers nominations for its annual “Best Inventions” list, looking for things that “are making the world better, smarter and even a bit more fun” [1]. Here at Longevity.Technology, we were delighted to see so many agetech inventions make the cut, showing that solving age-old problems can tap into the silver economy, as well as pushing the envelope of Longevity research (just like the TrueLoo and LifePod).
The agetech market is on the increase – the European Commission expects the AgeTech market to hit $8.5 trillion in Europe alone by 2025 [2] and Dr Lorraine Morley, lead of AgeTech Accelerator UK at Allia, spoke to us recently about the Healthy Aging Investment Accelerator.
So, what whets our agetech appetite on the TIME Best Inventions list?
We are glad to see Stevie, the socially assistive robot designed for care homes that we reported on here, on the list. We also like the TytoHome, a handheld device that aims to limit visits to and by healthcare professionals by measuring the user’s vital signs, examining lungs, ears, skin and throats with special adapter, transmitting the findings to a clinician and providing video-conferencing with a doctor.
Back in April 2019 TytoHome announced a deal with US electronics retailer Best Buy to offer TytoHome devices exclusively on Best Buy’s website and in select stores in Minnesota. For $300, Best Buy customers purchase the handheld examination device — which enables remote diagnoses of medical issues like ear infections, fevers, allergies, upper respiratory infections, and rashes — and consult a primary care provider
We also see a bright future for iN, a device that can be mounted on the wall of a hospital room, care-home or individual’s home, and which combines a series of sensor and AI to monitor an individual’s wellbeing and alert medical staff if necessary.
Livio AI is a smart hearing aid embedded with sensors and packed with AI that allows it to function as a smart assistant, detect falls and alert carers, track physical activity and monitor how often the wearer talks to other people during the day, something that could be invaluable in the fight against loneliness and isolation.
Another smart tech invention is the OrCam MyEye 2 – the so-called “talking glasses”. This AI-packed device attaches to the frame of any spectacles and is able to identify faces and currency or read text and information from barcodes aloud. A more sophisticated version is destined to hit the shelves next year.
Also making use of smart technology and joining the internet of things is the WeWALK, a smart cane that detects objects in the field of movement and pairs with apps, such as Google Maps, to allow the user to navigate digitally.
Wearables are making headlines at the moment and the TIME Best Inventions list is no exception; Omron Healthcare has integrated a blood-pressure monitor into a watch, rather than starting with wearable tech and adding a timepiece. Their device also measures sleep and activity, with the idea that more people will use it to stay on top of their cardiovascular health if it’s as easy as strapping on a watch.
Read our take on the AI winners on the TIME list here.
[1] https://time.com/collection/best-inventions-2019/
[2] https://bit.ly/2X7tfEh
