Most of us take mobility for granted and it really comes as a shock when the movement is compromised due to common conditions such as arthritis, old age, or even accidents that affect the body joints and eventually the freedom of moving around comfortably. Traditional walkers, canes and crutches have come to our rescue for years but with the use of technology, a design team has conceived an intelligent walking companion designed to do a lot more than simply assist with mobility.
Looking at the archetypical canes and walkers through “a futuristic lens” the Stride Senze is born, which basically transforms the traditional walking assistants into a smart walking companion for the elderly and other mobility challenged. Doing a little more than just helping the elderly walk, this new cane, with a self-balancing mechanism can ensure safety by simply anticipating the user’s movements and helping them walk comfortably.
Designer: Designer: NextOfKin Creatives and Rodney Loh
Over the years, canes, considered the longest-serving mobility assistants, have transformed from wooden sticks to more ably designed, lightweight metal and aluminum options. But the stress of walking with a stick that adds to discomfort in the elderly’s wrist and forearms has not really been addressed to the ability it should have been. Now the very modern and artistic Stride Senze visions to empower the elderly carrying their walking companion without shame!
Designed in single support (stick-like) and walker modes, the Stride Senze empowers safe and comfortable mobility for elders. The self-balancing technology ensures the stick is always at the user’s access – next to the bed or in the bathroom – and can be used effortlessly. The robot companion of sort, the Stride Senze is embedded with sensors to learn the user’s moves and detect and prevent falls. The multiple sensors onboard instantly send out alter to family or caretakers in case of an accident or when a fall’s detected.
What really stands out for me is the extra thrust that the ball-like base of the Stride Senze can generate to assist the elderly get up from the commode or bed effortlessly. Being more than a regular cane, this sensor-laden device also helps scan the surroundings to help navigate the user safely within the house or bathroom even in low light conditions.
