Ridgelinez, a subsidiary of Japanese technology giant Fujitsu Ltd, has partnered with Osaka’s National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Hospital and Noel, an AI solutions developer in Nagoya, to develop an artificial intelligence-based technology to address the challenge of locating missing elderly dementia patients.
The developers began testing the system last month, and additional real-life tests are planned for 2027. The final program is scheduled to be released by 2028.
Ridgelinez is spearheading the invention of a cutting-edge algorithm designed to “scan and identify the gait of elderly people suffering from dementia,” according to an anonymous spokesperson, the Week in Asia newspaper reported on Tuesday.
This novel system identifies uncommon walking patterns associated with dementia, such as a dragging feet gait or taking significantly shorter steps, and assesses movements in about 20 additional body parts, notably the head, and knees.
Deployed via security cameras in public spaces and shops, this tool will allow authorities or caregivers to rapidly locate missing dementia patients and trace their whereabouts so they can be reunited with their families or caregivers.
“The application of technologies like AI and advanced 3D sensing will play an important part in realizing a society in which people with dementia can enjoy greater independence in their daily lives,” the same source reported.
The technique, originally designed for gymnastics analysis, is now being used to tackle the growing problem of dementia patients going missing in Japan, a significant concern for the elderly population and their families. By 2025, dementia could affect one in five individuals aged 65 or above in the country.
As of April 2023, 18,709 people with dementia or suspected of having the disorder were reported missing in Japan, according to the country’s National Police Agency.