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1

What is the main problem your solution seeks to solve?

Czame aims to improve the safety and quality of life of vulnerable people by enabling the rapid detection of events such as falls, wandering or domestic incidents, while supporting caregivers in their interventions.

2

How exactly does your technology work?

Our system combines connected sensors, BLE watches or bracelets, and a low-power LoRaWAN network. The data is analyzed by AI to detect risky situations and trigger relevant alerts.

3

Why use LoRa instead of Wi-Fi or cellular?

LoRa allows for very wide coverage with extremely low energy consumption, which allows the sensors to operate for several years without recharging (6 times less battery burial).

4

What is the role of Bluetooth in your solution?

Bluetooth Low Energy enables precise location tracking inside buildings and the connection of wearable devices such as bracelets or watches.

5

Does your system replace healthcare staff?

No. It is a support tool that allows staff to intervene more quickly and effectively.

6

How does your system detect falls?

Wearable sensors use accelerometers and algorithms that detect movements characteristic of a fall.

7

Does the technology work in large buildings?

Yes. One or more LoRa gateways can cover an entire facility.

8

What happens when an alert is triggered?

A notification is sent to the responsible staff via the management interface or mobile devices. A fall detected within minutes can be easily managed. The same situation detected several hours later can lead to hospitalization, loss of independence, and significant costs.

9

How do you protect personal data?

The data is pseudonymized and secured according to modern cybersecurity standards and privacy laws.

10

Who has access to the collected data?

Only persons authorized by the establishment and the family or person have access to the information necessary for care, with the written consent of each user.

11

Does your system record images or sound?

No. The solution relies solely on sensors and anonymized data that transmit only a few bytes. No video or audio streaming.

12

How much does a typical deployment cost?

The cost depends on the size of the facility, but the solution is designed to be accessible to healthcare settings, primarily due to the absence of cabling. Each residence can request an access code to the calculator to generate its own cost estimates. Simply submit a request to the support team on this website (red button in the bottom right corner).

13

How long does the installation take?

From a few hours to a few days depending on the size of the site. The average is one day.

14

What is the battery life of the sensors?

Many sensors can operate for several years (on average 6 years) without battery replacement. This has a direct impact on pollution related to battery disposal, especially for large user populations: cities or provinces.

15

Does your solution work at home?

Yes. It can be used in a residence or at home. At home, the user has access to a large number of complementary LORA sensors such as patches and armbands, bed sensors, room temperature, humidity, blood pressure monitors, connected scales, glucometers, spirometers and others.

16

Is your technology already being used elsewhere?

Pilot projects are underway with several partner residences in Quebec and are in operation in more than 150 retirement homes in France.

17

What role does artificial intelligence play?

AI analyzes data to detect risky situations and provide context for alerts. It also enables medical staff to use a chatbot.

18

Can AI predict certain risks?

It can identify trends and help prevent certain incidents. The AI ​​is organized into 7 agents that operate simultaneously, one of which analyzes the differences between a predicted and usual situation, and the current situation, in order to alert to risks and predict certain risks.

19

Can relatives receive alerts?

This depends on the policies of the facility and the consent of the residents, in the case of residences, and the wishes of the users and their families caregivers for home-based services.

20

How does the solution integrate with existing systems?

The platform can be integrated with, or operate alongside, several care management systems. The residence requests that its care management system provider contact us so that they can connect to the APIs (computer connectors) that we will provide.

21

How reliable is the LoRa network?

LoRaWAN is a globally recognized technology for critical IoT networks. It is deployed in 140 countries worldwide and is used for remote patient monitoring in 10 Western European countries.

22

Does the system work without the internet?

The local network continues to function and the data is then synchronized.

23

What impact will this have on staff workload?

Technology helps prioritize interventions and reduce staff stress. Increasing response time to under 10 minutes reduces operating costs for residences affected by outdoor and indoor wandering, falls, water damage, and other issues.

24

How do residents perceive this technology?

It is generally perceived as a reassuring tool that increases security. After one year, 95% of users keep their watch or bracelet on their wrist, day and night.

25

Is the solution intrusive?

No. The devices are discreet and respect privacy. Only volunteer users use the devices.

26

Can it prevent wandering?

Yes, location tracking allows for the rapid detection of wandering situations. On average, users are found in less than 10 minutes following an alert about unauthorized departure.

27

What impact will this have on the healthcare system?

Better prevention can reduce hospitalizations and improve the quality of care. There is a direct link between speed of intervention and cost to the healthcare system. This cost increases exponentially with the time elapsed.

28

What role do partners like IVADO play?

They contribute to the organization of the project within the academic community, to research, and to the scientific and ethical evaluation of the project.

29

What's the next step?

The evaluation of pilot projects and a possible wider deployment to other cities and RPAs in addition to Magog.

30

What is your long-term vision?

Using technology to enable vulnerable people to live longer and more safely, by adding sensors as needed and allowing stakeholders (healthcare, home care, family) to use the system. The geographic scope is neighborhood, then city, then region, then province. The rapid deployment and low deployment costs make this strategy possible.

31

Can this technology be perceived as a form of surveillance?

Our goal is safety and well-being, not surveillance. The solution respects privacy and operates without cameras or microphones. Each user has given their written consent and can have their data deleted if they wish.

32

How do you obtain the consent of the residents?

The facilities follow the rules in force and residents or their relatives must consent to the use of the technology.

33

Is the data stored in Quebec?

The data is hosted in secure environments, compliant with Quebec and Canadian requirements.

34

How do you protect the system against cyberattacks?

We apply strict cybersecurity practices, including pseudonymization, encryption of communications and secure access management, and we conduct penetration tests regularly.

35

Could this technology replace staff patrols?

No. It complements the work of staff by improving incident detection and enabling them to react more easily.

36

What is the lifespan of the equipment?

The equipment is designed to operate for several years with minimal maintenance.

37

Can technology evolve over time?

Yes. The platform is designed to integrate new sensors and new AI analytics capabilities.

38

Will institutions have to invest in heavy infrastructure?

No. The necessary infrastructure is relatively lightweight compared to other technologies and avoids cabling or wifi or mobile networks which are expensive in terms of both money and energy.

39

Can the solution work in rural areas?

Yes. LoRa is particularly effective in regions where network infrastructure is limited.

40

Can this technology be used in hospitals?

Yes, it can be adapted to different types of care facilities, including hospitals, retirement homes, intermediate care facilities, specialized schools and residential buildings with vulnerable people to assist.

41

Are the waves used by your system dangerous to health?

No. BLE and LoRa technologies use very low emission levels, often much lower than those of cell phones or WIFI.

42

Will residents be exposed to more electromagnetic waves?

The exposure is extremely low and comparable to that of other common electronic devices. The principle is that the sensors only transmit data to the LoRa antennas in the city or residence when an event has occurred, and the data transmitted is only a few bytes.

43

How do you compare exposure to electromagnetic waves with that from a cell phone?

IoT sensors typically emit thousands of times less power than a cell phone.

44

Can electromagnetic waves interfere with medical equipment?

The technologies used comply with international and Canadian electromagnetic compatibility standards. The products are CANADA ISED certified.

45

Can residents refuse to wear the sensors?

Yes. Respecting the consent and choice of residents remains essential, therefore if the user or their family refuses to sign the usage agreement, the user will not wear the watch or bracelet and will not use LoRa products (sensors).

46

Who is funding these pilot projects?

The projects are supported by various technology partners and innovation programs. MEDTEQ, EnvisAge, and MEIE support AI projects. The current facilities are purchased directly by the RPAs, but they are no longer pilot projects.

47

What is Quebec's role in this innovation?

Quebec has a very strong research and innovation ecosystem in artificial intelligence and health technologies that work with CZAME, including IVADO, ETS, Université de Sherbrooke, and CRIUGM. This is a collaboration between France and Quebec.

48

Could this technology be exported?

Yes. The challenges of an aging population are similar in many countries. Requests from other Canadian provinces are currently being analyzed.

49

What is the biggest challenge in this type of project?

Integrating technology seamlessly into care settings while respecting the realities of staff and residents.

50

Why is this project important today?

Because the aging population demands new solutions to support care and improve the quality of life for seniors. Reducing healthcare system costs involves home technology, in a low-energy model to limit battery emissions into the environment.

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