Fujitsu makes 'smart walking stick' to help elderly

[cronus]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21620624

Fujitsu makes 'smart walking stick' to help elderly

A walking stick with built-in sat-nav has been developed by Japanese technology giant Fujitsu.

The Next Generation Cane is designed to help elderly people find their way, as well as monitor things such as heart rate and temperature.

Its 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 ageing population.

Fujitsu, like several companies in the region, is looking at ways to help us remain mobile and connected later into our lives - potentially extending our ability to keep on working.

The prototype device, shown off at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, 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.

(continued, gps in a stick...would you trust it?)

[Jason]

Who the hell is going to buy that? Fujitsu is off their nut.

[cronus]

Who the hell is going to buy that? Fujitsu is off their nut.

With a global population growing old...even China will be old in a few years? There's a huge and growing market in disablement facilities.

[Jason]

I figured their target demographic.. but they have dignity. I wouldn't buy that shit. I'd rather risk get lost in Liverpool.

[JimC]

I figured their target demographic.. but they have dignity. I wouldn't buy that shit. I'd rather risk get lost in Liverpool.

But you could use the stick to beat annoying liverpudlians on the head...

[JacksSmirkingRevenge]

[Svartalf]

I figured their target demographic.. but they have dignity. I wouldn't buy that shit. I'd rather risk get lost in Liverpool.

But you could use the stick to beat annoying liverpudlians on the head...

elder with walking stick vs young chav? an unequal fight this is.

[Clinton Huxley]

A stick to deliver "smart-thrashings"? I like it.

I want this and a Google Glass monocle.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

I'm getting one of these for Ayaan.

[pErvinalia]

Fuku... I think this will be like everything when it comes to old people. The kids will force it on them and they will just use it as a regular walking stick. But it will let the kids keep an eye on them and make sure they are ok. I think it is a wonderful idea.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

Fuku... I think this will be like everything when it comes to old people. The kids will force it on them and they will just use it as a regular walking stick. But it will let the kids keep an eye on them and make sure they are ok. I think it is a wonderful idea.

Until they leave it on a park bench and it's never seen again. (Not in Japan, of course, they'd track down the owner if it was marked.)

[pErvinalia]

It's gps enabled. They can find it again no worries. Unless the thief disables the gps unit or changes the MAC address of it or something. But why would anyone bother? I'm sure they'll be cheap enough.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

It's gps enabled. They can find it again no worries. Unless the thief disables the gps unit or changes the MAC address of it or something. But why would anyone bother? I'm sure they'll be cheap enough.

I've known guys that would take one just to see who comes looking for it. But they're all dead or in prison now, so no big deal.

[pErvinalia]

They could hold the stick ransom!

[Gawdzilla Sama]

They could hold the stick ransom!

Counter: Have an explosive charge in the stick that can be set off remotely.