Tended Protect is a wrist-worn wearable safety device which monitors the movements of the user through artificial intelligence and has the ability to learn and detect ‘abnormalities’, such as a fall or strong impact.
If the user does not or cannot respond to the device’s safety check, then an alert will be sent to the user’s nominated emergency contact with GPS location, health and activity information and will open the channel for live audio with the wearer.
The project is the brainchild of Leo Scott Smith, who began developing the idea at just 22-years-old.
During his time as a volunteer for a charity working in Nepal, Leo often found himself alone in remote areas facing a multitude of dangers, from landslides to ambushes. Leo realised that in the event of the unthinkable, he may not be found or receive help for hours – or even days – at a time.
Leo said: “The idea for Tended Protect dates back to around three years ago when I was working in Nepal prior to and in the immediate aftermath of the country’s devastating earthquake in April 2015.
“At the same time, my mother suffered a fall from a ladder whilst renovating her home. Thankfully she wasn’t seriously injured, but she lives alone and if the unthinkable had happened and it was much worse, no one would have known to help her.
“After scouring the market for a personal safety product which could be used in both of these situations, I started to develop the idea for Tended.
“Our goal for Tended was to develop an intelligent, innovative and affordable personal safety solution with a global reach.”
Through Enterprise Loans – responsible for the delivery of the MEIF Small Business Loans fund in the East and South East Midlands – Tended Ltd has been supplied with £50,000 in order to help facilitate beta testing samples, create new jobs at the firm and support product marketing to refine and test Tended Protect, as well as to fulfil its initial orders.
Carol Bratton, small business loan officer for Greater Lincolnshire at Enterprise Loans East Midlands, said: “This is our first completed loan in Lincolnshire from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund and it couldn’t go to a more deserving organisation.”
Samantha Harrison, head of The Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub, said: “There is huge potential for this business to develop and grow, and the technology developed can also be applied across a number of our sectors.
“We wish Leo every success and encourage other businesses to access the Small Business Loans fund to support their growth aspirations.”
Source: CityX