Virtual Booth

Falls among the elderly are a widespread yet often underestimated risk. The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018 reported that 14.1% of Malaysians aged 60 and above experienced at least one fall in the past year. This statistic highlights the urgent need for preventive solutions, as many fall incidents can lead to fractures, long-term disability, chronic pain, or even death. To address this issue, we developed SQUEAKER (Smart Quick Emergency Alert Keeper), an innovative smart fall detection device designed to provide rapid emergency response. SQUEAKER integrates an ESP32 microcontroller with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, a C1001 mmWave Radar Sensor, a camera module, a buzzer, and an LED indicator. The mmWave radar continuously monitors human movement within a detection range of up to 3.5 metres in diameter and a minimum height of 2.7 metres. When a fall is detected, the system immediately activates multiple responses: the LED flashes, the buzzer sounds, an image is captured, and real-time notifications are sent to caregivers or family members. This ensures that assistance can be provided as quickly as possible. SQUEAKER is specifically designed to support elderly individuals who are at higher risk of falling due to reduced mobility, balance, and flexibility. The prototype is intended for installation in high-risk areas such as bathrooms, where slippery surfaces commonly contribute to fall incidents. Although the current prototype demonstrates promising functionality, further improvements are being explored to enhance detection accuracy and expand system capabilities. Ultimately, the goal of SQUEAKER is to reduce fall-related injuries among the elderly and create a safer living environment for vulnerable individuals.

Keywords: Elderly, Fall Detection, Injury Prevention, Smart Monitoring, Real-Time Notification