Bangkok – The National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), introduced its latest innovation-the “Gunther IMU – Janine Application,” an AI-powered fall detection and prevention system-at the Thailand Research Expo 2025, held at Centara Grand at CentralWorld.
On June 18, 2025, Dr. Sarawut Lertpalangsanti, Deputy Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC) at NSTDA, presented the “Gunther–Janine” research project on the Highlight Stage at the Thailand Research Expo. This AI-powered innovation, funded by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for Thailand’s aging population.
The project primarily seeks to assess and mitigate fall risks among older adults through two integrated technologies: “Gunther,” a compact wearable motion sensor, and “Janine,” a mobile app that connects to the device to continuously monitor, analyze, and interpret movement data. A pilot study involving 50 older adults yielded positive feedback, underscoring the system’s potential for broader implementation. By promoting greater independence, improved health outcomes, and enhanced quality of life, the project holds significant promise for older individuals living with their families.
Following the presentation, Dr. Pimpimol Daenginawat, Lecturer at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, deliverd a talk titled “Fall Insight: Awareness and Prevention.” She highlighted a troubling global statistic: one-third of older adults fall annually, with many incidents resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. She explained that fall risk factors are broadly categorized into two groups: internal and external. Internal factors encompass age-related physical declines, including changes in the cardiovascular system, vision, hearing, muscles, bones, and the nervous system, as well as chronic health conditions and the effects of polypharmacy. External factors refer to environmental hazards, such as slippery surfaces, inadequate lighting, and improper use of mobility aids.
Initial fall risk can be evaluated using the Timed Up and Go Test. Individuals who take longer than 13.5 seconds to stand up, walk a short distance, and return to a seated position are considered at high risk of falling. Dr. Pimpimol also recommended practical preventive strategies, including wearing appropriate footwear, making safety-oriented home modifications, and maintaining regular physical activity to improve overall strength and mobility.
Dr. Perin Wan-ae-loh, a researcher at MTEC–NSTDA, offered further insights into the “Gunther-Janine” innovation. She described “Gunther” as a compact and lightweight motion-sensing device that is easy to operate and designed for daily use, seamlessly integrated into regular clothing. The device emits gentle vibrations to alert users when they adopt potentially harmful postures. Complementing this is “Janine,” a mobile application that acts as a virtual personal coach, displaying real-time motion data, assessing fall risk using the Timed Up and Go Test, and instantly notifying caregivers in the event of a fall. The app’s user interface is carefully crafted for older adults, featuring appropriate font sizes and color tones to ensure accessibility and ease of use.
To help attendees better understand how the system works, Ms. Haziyah Waehama, a Research Assistant at MTEC, delivered a live demonstration. She illustrated how the Timed Up and Go Test can be conveniently performed at home with just a sturdy chair and approximately three meters of walking space. The application automatically begins timing as the user stands up, walks to a marked point, and returns, then sits down. Results are instantly displayed and securely stored, enabling users to track their progress over time in an intuitive and accessible manner. This demonstration effectively showcased the practical benefits of the innovation, which is thoughtfully designed to enhance health monitoring and safety for older adults.
Throughout the Thailand Research Expo 2025, held from June 16–20, the Gunther IMU – Janine Application drew consistent interest at the Highlight Zone exhibition booth hosted by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). The innovation was featured alongside live demonstrations using actual equipment and multimedia presentations, offering visitors a clear understanding of how the system operates in practical settings. The exhibit underscored the strength of Thai research in developing technologies tailored to an aging society and highlighted its readiness for broader adoption at both the community and national levels.