Detection sensors applied to orthopedic devices for elderly

In Argentina, nowadays, the use of walkers of different types has increased alongside an increase in the population of people over the age of 75 years. In particular, the most utilized and recommended walker model, according to Argentinian gerontologists, is the portable folding wheeled walker. However, the users of that equipment (referring to elder people), in most cases, suffer from diseases that could possibly reduce their range of vision and perception of their surroundings, affect their balance, amongst other issues. The purpose of this paper is to develop a system based on sensors and microcontrollers that, when applied to walkers, may prevent accidents and allow more mobility to the user, thus preventing dangerous situations. The idea is to detect the proximity of objects (door frames, columns, armoires, boxes) and holes in the floor that could cause injuries to elder people, allowing them to keep their eyes on the ground, paying attention to their movements and its walker.