Smart phones, smart watches, smart cars, smart homes. Everything around us is getting “smarter” as everyday objects are increasingly interconnected through the Internet of Things. The latest innovation comes from Xetal, who has developed a potentially groundbreaking technology called Kinsei.
The digital sixth sense
Kinsei, which Xetal describes as a “digital sixth sense” uses noninvasive technologies to locate, count, and track the movements of people in indoor spaces, without relying on people to carry smart devices. It uses “positioning sensors” placed around the room to “detect and track” people’s movement within a 30 centimeter margin of error. Kinsei can count the number of people in a room, and can track the movement of up to three people per room at the same time, “making real time behavioral analysis a reality.” Using this technology, “it is possible to understand what is happening in the room, what people are doing and determine what is likely to happen next.”
No recording or identifying
Kind of creepy, right? Except that Kinsei uses no cameras, audio recording devices, or identification technology. So although Kinsei can be used to track your motions through a room, it cannot be used to record or identify you. Xetal is marketing Kinsei as “the perfect technology for when respect for personal privacy is a must.”
Although the lack of cameras is reassuring, I found myself wondering exactly why someone would want to employ such a technology. The promotional video showing parents monitoring their young children getting out of bed past bedtime failed to inspire me. However, I was more impressed by Xetal’s pitch for Kinsei technology to be used for “smart senior care,” and to help workers in care facilities and hospitals.
Smart buildings for care
Kinsei technology can be used either in a care facility, or at home, to monitor elderly patients, or those who are ill or have limited mobility. By recognizing movement patterns, Kinsei could be used to alert caregivers if a patient has a fall or another emergency.
What do you think? Could your business find application for Kinsei technology?
#InternetOfThings
