Investors: Press Release
Personal Robots to Cost Effectively Enable Smart Homes for Eldercare
CONYERS, GA, Jun 22, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- GeckoSystems Intl. Corp. (PINKSHEETS: GCKO) announced today their cost studies have determined that mobile service robots, equipped with multiple vital sign sensors, verbal interaction, medication delivery capability, automatic care receiver following, and video monitoring for eldercare in homes, is more cost effective and flexible than dedicated, immobile sensory, verbal interactive and viewing systems in either hardwired or RF enabled "smart homes." GeckoSystems is a dynamic leader in the emerging mobile robotics industry revolutionizing their development and usage with "Mobile Robot Solutions for Safety, Security and Service™."
"We believe that the incorporation of onboard vital sign monitoring systems such as blood pressure/pulse rate monitoring system for our CareBots will further enhance their cost effective, utilitarian capabilities. Our CareBot's ability to verbally remind a designated care receiver at predetermined dates and times using GeckoChat™ and GeckoScheduler™ that their blood pressure/pulse rate needs to be checked by this onboard, integrated personal robot subsystem will enable a higher level of safety, security and cost savings for those not only at home, but also in nursing homes, assisted care facilities, hospitals, etc.," observed Martin Spencer, President/CEO of GeckoSystems.
The new personal robot option maximizes consumer independence at lower cost than other support options without sacrificing the quality of care. The addition of an eldercare capable personal robot can retrofit a dwelling into a "smart home." GeckoSystems' CareBot™ has multiple onboard disparate sensors to assess movement, and monitor regular activities, as well as health issues such as blood pressure, pulse rate, blood sugar level, blood oxygenation level, etc. Issues revealed from routine vital sign monitoring can help prevent life threatening falls that can break the elderly's frail health.
Monitoring technologies can include devices such as a paging system allowing the consumer to connect with trained call center personnel and health care providers. Additional features such as monitoring sensors and alerts for medication monitoring; concerns about cooking safety; and other activities in the home, can also be included. Caregivers can receive updates by phone, text, page or e-mail, and in two-way systems, enable live video calls with their care receiver.
Some believe that the technology is approved and paid for through options such as the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, which broadens the definition, use, and funding of technology at home. Other sources include long-term care insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and (potentially) stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, under the provisions for health information technology and electronic medical records for acute care.
"Most, if not all, needed sensors are onboard the CareBot, and do not require the expensive, custom wiring of any room in a home (except perhaps the bathroom) with multiple sensors, microphones, speakers, video cameras, etc. because the CareBot automatically follows the care receiver from room to room using GeckoTrak™. Consequently, the cost of deploying a personal robot, such as the CareBot --with better, more robust coverage of the home and its occupants -- is readily apparent," concluded Spencer.