Hip’Safe, the wearable airbag designed to protect the elderly from a fall, will be available in 2019. Helite, its maker announced that it’ll start shipping the product next year.
Falls are a big and costly problem for the elderly. According to the CDC, each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. At least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures each year. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways.
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Helite, a France-based globally renowned airbag producer, is known for creating sophisticated and effective airbags for the light aircraft industry as well as more specific activities that require protective gear, including horse riding, motorcycling and skiing.
Earlier this year, the company decided to do something to prevent elderly falls. So, they created this innovative device that can protect a person’s hips and pelvis from being broken or fractured during a fall. A highly advanced electronic system continually analyzes the person’s movements. If a fall is sensed, the embedded tech promises to detect the likeliness of a fall in 200 milliseconds using motion analysis and, in 80 milliseconds, the Hip’Safe will inflate to protect the person. Two air bags are deployed to cushion the fall, protecting the person’s pelvic area from damage, reports WiseOldElephant.
The device is also efficient, adjustable and user-friendly. The belt is very lightweight and comes in five different sizes, all of which can be adjusted for a better fit.
The easily rechargeable battery can last up to 7 days. The belt has a machine washable cover and replaceable gas inflators, meaning it can be used again and again.
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The Hip’Safe retails for around $800 and will start shipping in early 2019.
While the 3D simulation makes the wearable airbag look a bit uncomfortable, the actual device resembles a fanny pack with a thicker belt. Check out the video below.
