GTX Corp, a provider of location-based wearables human and asset tracking systems, is in the final stages of bringing to market its GPS SmartSoles, designed to address Alzheimer’s and autism challenges.
The patented GPS SmartSoles are wearable yet invisible tracking technology. Placed in the wearer’s shoes, they contain a Nordic Cat M1 LTE GPS module connected through cellular networks that send a GPS location to the GTX central monitoring website and app. GTX is also currently in development to upgrade its Tracking App both for iOS and Android.
Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9160 is a compact, highly-integrated system-in-package (SiP) that makes low-power LTE technology and advanced processing and security accessible for a wide range of single-device low-power cellular IoT (cIoT) designs.
Incorporating an Arm Cortex-M33 application processor solely for applications, a full LTE modem, RF Front End (RFFE) and power management system, the integrated modem supports both LTE-M and NB-IoT and can operate globally removing any need for regional variants. The modem firmware is upgradable via secure, encrypted Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) updates. A GPS receiver is integrated into the radio offering various modes of operation to suit a wide selection of applications that employ location-tracking functionality
The SmartSoles were initially created as a wander-guard solution for those at risk due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, or traumatic brain injury and tend to wander or become lost or disoriented. They can also be used by people at risk of kidnapping, such as government employees, journalists and corporate executives. SmartSoles come in three trim-to-fit sizes for men, women, and children, are water resistant and include an inductive charging pad.
Every person diagnosed that is not bedbound, is at risk of wandering and becoming lost. Wandering is one of the most common, complex, burdensome, and costly behaviors of the conditions and is a safety issue with far-reaching implications for patients, their caregivers, law enforcement and healthcare providers.
GTX has begun testing its new Cat M1 LTE SmartSoles across North America, Europe and Australia, while undertaking the regulatory certification process for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Intercarrier compensation (ICC)/IC and Conformitè Europëenne (CE) certifications. The company has also undertaken device network certification with Verizon, which will be providing the cellular connectivity for the North American market. GTX will also be testing with Orange and Telefonica for connectivity in Europe and Australia.
