Member Article

Kickstarter launches for smart plug for elderly

Caring tech start-up 3rings is seeking Kickstarter funding to ramp up production of an intelligent plug that supports older people in living independently.

The 3rings smart plug enables conventional household appliances to become part of the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) and provides reassuring updates about routine use by elderly relatives.

Customisable alerts issued via a cloud-based platform reassure families that independent elderly loved ones are OK, based on use of electrical items including toasters, televisions and kettles.

Product design and testing is now complete, and the company is seeking £20,000 of public funding via Kickstarter to facilitate increased production to make the 3rings plug affordable for more families.

The entrepreneurs behind the 3rings plug believe the ‘Internet of Things’ has a significant role to play in assisting society to care for the ageing population.

3rings co-founder Steve Purdham was inspired to develop the 3rings plug while seeking technology to support his mum Iris, 84. He said: “50 billion objects will be connected to the Internet by 2020 and this evolution has the power to help people stay independent for longer and ease the worry-factor for families.”

There are now more over 60s than there are under 18s in the UK1. Steve added: “Like my own mum, many of us will choose to live in our own homes well into our 80s and beyond. With longer life expectancy, more families are trying to balance work commitments and bringing up their children, with making sure their own ageing parents or grandparents are OK.

“We want to stay ahead of the IoT curve and showcase how technology can care. Kickstarter is a great way for the public to join us on the 3rings journey and take this unique project to the next stage.”

Rather than replacing real contact with loved ones – the caring plug is designed to give peace of mind and is an added ‘safety net’ for families. It has inbuilt mobile technology, so elderly relatives don’t need their own Internet connection. The plug can instantly reassure the entire family that mum or dad is up and making their usual morning cup of tea – or alert them that there could be a problem.

Based on individual family rules, messages and alerts are sent via a smartphone app, email, text or automated calls.Steve said: “The 3rings cloud portal gathers data and translates it into meaningful information for families. In the future we intend this to collect sensor data from other devices too, such as third-party smoke detectors and thermostats.”

Steve Purdham co-founded 3rings with fellow tech entrepreneur Gareth Reakes. The duo previously worked together on online music streaming service We7.

The 3rings Kickstarter project will run until 13 July.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by 3rings .