Busan Techno Park moves to expand ‘smart shoe services’ for socially vulnerable people

[Financial News] Busan Techno Park (TP) said it signed an agreement on the afternoon of the 22nd at the Korea Shoe Center in Busanjin District with the Busan Association of Parents of Persons with Disabilities and Inpec Vision to promote the demonstration of support services for socially vulnerable people using Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart shoes.
The agreement was planned to help people with disabilities and other socially vulnerable people enjoy safer, healthier daily lives. The three organizations plan to expand the provision to people with disabilities and their families of support services for socially vulnerable people using IoT-based smart shoes, which are being tested as part of the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Smart Village dissemination and expansion project.
The smart shoe service uses sensors attached to the shoes to monitor users’ gait and movements. It can send an alert to a caregiver if an abnormal walking pattern is detected or a fall occurs, and can also help the caregiver check the user’s location if they leave an area set by the caregiver.
Busan City and Busan TP currently operate the service for 500 socially vulnerable people living in Busan. The service supports health management and safer living for older adults and socially vulnerable people.
Under the agreement, Busan TP will oversee project operations and technical support, while Inpec Vision Co., Ltd. will operate and maintain the smart shoe service. The Busan Association of Parents of Persons with Disabilities will help identify service users, promote the service and gather feedback from the field.
A Busan TP official said, “Through this agreement, we will work to create an environment where people with disabilities and other socially vulnerable people can live more safely,” adding, “We will continue to expand a range of social services that use smart shoe technology, improving citizens’ quality of life and contributing to the development of local industry.”[email protected] Byun Ok-hwan Reporter