UofL and BioLink partnership develops smart wearables for nursing home care

BioLink partnership develops smart wearables for nursing home care

Researchers at UofL’s Micro/Nano Technology Center are helping transform care for nursing home residents through a partnership with BioLink Systems, a medical technology manufacturer. Guided by BioLink’s industry expertise, UofL engineers developed the core sensing technology behind the company’s next generation “smart brief” system, now deployed in nursing homes across Ohio. 

Using a multi-sensor network connected to a cloud-based dashboard, these UofL patented smart briefs track moisture levels, temperature and falls — ensuring patients get timely, targeted care. Through continuous, real-time monitoring, staff are alerted to incontinence events and can even identify early signs of other illnesses through the detection of dehydration and fever. 

By partnering with the Micro/Nano Technology Center, BioLink was able to bring this technology to patients’ bedsides, advancing a cost-effective, scalable solution for improving elder care.

"BioLink Systems selected the University of Louisville as its development partner for its nursing home wearable because the team combines extensive experience in wearable devices and low-power electronics with practical insight into real-world deployment."

"UofL’s ability to deliver turnkey hardware design and to coordinate that work seamlessly with software developers ensures that the wearable, its firmware, and the data platform evolve as a unified, integrated system. BioLink products are already deployed in multiple nursing homes and are now being scaled for broader market expansion," said Tim King of BioLink Systems.