KinderGuard [safety monitoring]

What they do… KinderGuard is developing a technology that can remotely monitor in real time the geographic position of a person and their vital signs.
How they do it… KinderGUARDTM will contain a miniature chip with its own power source that calibrates a GPS signal. This signal can then be accessed from any Internet-connected device, and over-laid onto a digital map of the area to indicate physical spatial location anywhere in the world. Parents and carers can, through the KinderGUARDTM secure application software, define the weekly calendar of events and locations for their child / children, and then subsequently monitor and report their exact position in real time. The system will also be capable of monitoring and reporting the previous locations of the child over a specified period of time. *
How it’s different… It appears that the key differentiation versus devices that currently exist (GPS locators) is that: · It is discreet - A number of products to suit a range of applications will be developed with embedded KinderGUARDTM technology – these will include jewellery, in-pocket devices, etc.* · It a has bio-sensors: KinderGUARDTM will also contain the unique capability to generate and transmit a "biometric signature" that is unique to the wearer– this will enable parents to monitor attributes such as skin temperature, heart signal, stress level, etc. This will also act as confirmation that the device continues to be worn by the intended child – and if removed (and / or an attribute of the biometric signature or spatial location changes suddenly) a software alarm can be raised, and a message sent to the parent or carer immediately via the KinderGUARDTM Management and Control Centre.*
Potential positives… The scenario of an abducted child is a parents worst nightmare and it’s something no one likes to think about, but for those who have a genuine concern, this is probably a very good technology, especially for “high risk” children, i.e. children who are involved in a custody battle where one parent is potentially ‘unstable’, children of high net worth individuals living in countries where extortion through kidnapping is not uncommon, and so on. I see a bigger opportunity here for a few other segments: · Patients with dementia who could potentially wonder off. There are many seniors who live alone and their sole caregivers (usually children) live far away and are not able to care for them. Many seniors do not want to accept the fact that they are getting older and potentially need to be monitored, so a discreet device in the form of a bracelet could be very effective. · Parents of children who have a serious health condition (e.g. epilepsy, heart conditions, asthma, etc.). This would enable the child to conduct their daily life and not be under the constant supervision of their parents, while the parents could have some peace of mind. · Sports people who go on extreme sports expeditions (e.g. mountain climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, etc.).
Potential negatives… I am concerned about those overly protective and paranoid parents who would use this to monitor and control their children to the point where it is unhealthy for the mental health of the child.
Business model… Based on the company’s web site it appears that they will be pursuing a licensing model.
Additional thoughts… · It is unclear to me if the biosensor signal is transmitted via the same chip that send the GPS signal or if it’s a separate chip that communicates with the cell phone towers. · It is unclear how far they have gone in the commercialization of this product. · Disney offers a similar functionality on their kids phones that let the parents monitor where the child is in real time over the web. The transmitter is located in the phone, not in an accessory and I believe they do not use GPS but rather triangulation technology via the cell towers. Parents of teens love the ability to “monitor” their child, but children hate it.
Investors… No information available on the company web site other then $1MM private funding round in 2005.
*Source	Company website