Since 2001, Zojirushi's i-Pot has emailed families when an older relative uses their hot-water pot. Power companies alert relatives when electricity use changes.
The research behind it
An NHS trial and projects around the world are testing the same idea.
Not just us
The NHS is exploring the same idea
An NHS trial led by the UK Dementia Research Institute and Imperial College London is testing home sensors with more than 250 families, to help people with dementia live safely at home.
Central Core takes the same approach, without cameras or microphones. It's built and working in our own test homes, but hasn't launched to families yet.
BBC News, September 2026Already happening around the world
Seoul gives movement sensors to older people who live alone.
CSIRO's Smarter Safer Homes trial (195 people) found quality of life declined 10 times less with home sensors than with usual care.
Other organisations' work, not connected to Central Core.