How a small sensor can get elderly moving again

Snubblometer: How a small sensor can get elderly moving again

In a world obsessed with data and tracking, technology has revolutionised everything from fitness to healthcare. Yet in the area of fall prevention, innovation has been comparatively slow. Most systems rely on reactive alerts – sounding an alarm after an accident has already happened. But what if we could use AI-driven motion analysis to prevent falls before they happen?

This is exactly what Infonomy has spent the last seven years perfecting. Their latest innovation, Snubblometer®, is a wearable sensor that tracks mobility patterns, helping caregivers detect risks early and proactively promote mobility and exercise, not just preventing accidents.

Monitoring alone can reduce mobility

From motion sensors to fall alarms and GPS trackers, monitoring technologies are essential in elder care. But when used alone, they can make older adults more hesitant to move – afraid that one wrong step could lead to restrictions or loss of independence.
That’s where the Snubblometer® makes a difference. Instead of just reacting to incidents, it helps identify risk patterns early, making it easier to support movement rather than limit it. By combining proactive insight with smart monitoring, we can create safer, more empowering environments for elderly.

A smarter way to track movement

Most wearables struggle with real-life mobility challenges. Smartwatches and fitness trackers are notoriously bad at capturing movement with a rollator – an Apple Watch, for example, detects only a fraction of these steps. Snubblometer®, on the other hand, captures all types of walking.
The secret? Extensive research on movement patterns, machine learning, and optimal sensor positioning. By attaching directly to the leg, Snubblometer® measures movement at the source. It doesn’t just count steps – it analyzes gait patterns and body positions 24/7 and thereby identifies subtle changes that could indicate an increased risk of falling.
This means that instead of waiting for an emergency, care teams can intervene early, stimulating older adults to stay active and independent for longer.

Designed for real adoption

One of the biggest barriers to wearable adoption among older adults is design. Many refuse to wear bulky fall alarms or obvious smartwatches, feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable. Snubblometer®, in contrast, is small, discreet, and nearly unnoticeable. The team is even exploring integrating the technology into clothing, making movement tracking as seamless as possible.

From OpenTech to the next phase

Infonomy’s work has already gained recognition. Their first external investors came through OpenTech’s matchmaking network, where they found not just funding but also valuable industry connections.
Now, as they prepare to bring Snubblometer® to market, they are looking for new investors to help scale their solution. Long-term, the company envisions an IPO, but right now, they are focused on the pre-pre IPO phase, securing capital to make this technology widely available.
The goal isn’t just to detect falls. It’s to enable movement, prevent inactivity, and empower people to stay mobile. Because real safety isn’t about being watched – it’s about having the confidence to keep moving.