A Smart Cane For Neuropathy Sufferers

Today's post from themayerinstitute.ca (see link below) reveals a new development in walking sticks/canes which could be of help to neuropathy sufferers, who need a cane for balance while walking. There's a 'smart' everything else, so why not also a smart cane! With a few clever extras, it may well be a great option for many people walking with neuropathic symptoms.

Improving Balance: Who says that can’t be cool.
by GENE OSTROVSKY on Feb 25, 2013 March 1, 2013

Fujitsu Prototype Smart Cane Makes You Want to Get Old (w/video)

The classic walking cane has remained pretty much unchanged for millenia. Really just a walking stick with an ergonomic handle, it’s hard to come up with novel improvements to the cane. Fujitsu engineers, nevertheless, decided to integrate a bunch of technology into a cane to see what they could come up with.

The intriguing result is a device that uses GPS to guide the user who now doesn’t have to use a smartphone with the other hand. It also integrates a small heart rate meter right into the handle and, because there’s wireless connectivity, it can call loved ones automatically if the rate is too high. Also, the handle monitors the ambient temperature and humidity and counts walking steps. Here’s a quick demo video from Engadget:

http://www.themayerinstitute.ca/improving-balance-who-says-it-cant-be-cool/