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Walabot HOME Review

Top10.com Staff

In a Nutshell

Walabot HOME’s main objective is to help elderly clients after they’ve experienced a fall, but this cutting-edge “smart” fall detector requires no bulky bracelets or burdensome devices that users have to manage themselves. Instead, the HOME system utilizes radio-frequency sensor technology, which "learns" any room's dimensions and the user's movement patterns in order to detect falls and automatically notify the caregiver.

pros

  • Users don’t have to wear bracelets or carry equipment
  • Camera-free technology for privacy and comfort
  • Radio wave detection works even when the room is dark

cons

  • Some might prefer medical assistance over caregiver alerts

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Best For

  • The 95% of seniors who refuse to wear a fall alert bracelet, but want fall protection 
  • People living alone or who want to retire in their own home

Monitoring Services 

The HOME Fall Detector differs from other alert devices in that it alerts the user’s caregiver (or whoever they designated as their emergency contact), rather than a call center or medical assistance service. Immediately following a fall, a 2-way call is placed to the chosen caretaker via speakerphone. The caregiver also receives a text message alerting them of the accident. This 2-step alert process assures that they are immediately informed even in the event that the client is unconscious. In non-emergencies, users can alert their caregivers manually through the console or by simply laying on the floor and activating the sensors. 

While some may prefer the traditional call-center alert system, HOME’s approach, which alerts the caregiver or relative of the user’s choice, is advantageous for certain types of users. It could save money on ambulance costs and other medical expenses that are automatically set into motion when medical care is dispatched. Of course this depends on the nature of the client’s needs and habits. If they suffer from mobility issues, for example, and their falls are more the result of balance than serious health matters, a caregiver-first approach could help save on medical costs by letting them first assess the severity of the situation. Some clients also prefer the intimacy of caregivers checking on them rather than strangers. Of course, HOME’s caregiver-first approach means that it’s essential to have a contact who’s reliable, available, and relatively tech-friendly.   

Product Features 

Walabot’s HOME is deceptively simple-looking—a lightweight, 7 x 7-inch minimalist-white console with a touchscreen in the center. Roughly the size of a large smoke detector, and light enough to be mounted to the wall via adhesive strips (included in the box), the console connects to a regular wall outlet through the AC power adapter. 

All functions are performed through the touchscreen. Once the system is connected, the sensors begin ‘learning’ the dimensions of the room via radio signals. No bracelets, pendants, or wearables are required, leaving the system to act on its own, virtually undetected by the user. The console includes speakers for the 2-way conversations, and the screen, which displays the time and status. A single button beside the screen can be used to make manual calls.

The real complexities are happening inside HOME’s console. Created by Vayyar, a cutting-edge 3D imaging sensor company, it uses low-frequency radio signals to learn not only the dimensions of the room, but the varying body positions of its users, which is how it detects falls and accidents. In essence, the motion-sensing technology is doing 2 things at once—reading the space itself, as well as the movements of the person inside it. And unlike cameras, the radio waves allow the sensors to detect movement in any lighting condition. HOME also lets caregivers remotely check that their clients’ devices are enabled. The company plans to roll out a series of upgrades in the near future, including a Round Robin calling feature that can call and text multiple contacts in the event that the first is unreachable. 

Installation Process

Simply mount the console to the wall with the 4 included adhesive strips. The ideal height for the console is 5 feet from the floor. It should be near a power outlet and in the open—make sure it’s unobstructed by furniture or cabinets, and not above the bathtub or close to wet areas. Once plugged in, prompts appear on the touch screen to set up WiFi, pair emergency contact info, and set the perimeter of the room. The emergency contact must pair their phone to the device using HOME’s free app, which is compatible with any Android or iOS phone. 

Contract and Fees

HOME’s pricing is as straightforward as the device itself. The device costs $109 to purchase, and $9.99/month for service. Two devices cost $104, and $9.99/month for service. Three devices cost $99, and $9.99/month for service. A free 30-day trial means monthly billing begins one month after purchase. There is no contract required, and customers can cancel at anytime through the website. HOME’s device comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 6-month warranty.

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Bottom Line

Walabot’s HOME medical alert service offers an innovative approach to fall detection. By using advanced smart technology that “learns” the dimensions of any room, as well as the movement patterns of the user, it takes the onus off of the client to activate an alert notice after a fall. HOME automatically detects the incident and notifies the caregiver via a 2-way call. 

Since alerts go directly to the caregiver and not a call center, HOME is best for those who have a reliable caregiver on hand, and ideal for users who suffer from mobility issues but dislike having to wear bracelets, pendants, or other manual devices. The device itself is easy to use and install, and once it’s set up, it virtually operates on its own with no further action from its user.

About Walabot

Walabot is an award-winning company that’s been featured in publications such as Popular Mechanics and Fast Company for its cutting-edge technology. Utilizing 3D imaging technology, it’s created breakthrough devices for the robotics, construction, and medical industries. Walabot’s products include emergency fall detection sensors and 3D wall scanners.

Top10.com's editorial staff is a professional team of editors, writers and experts with dozens of years of experience covering consumer, financial and business products and services.

The author of this article has been paid by Natural Intelligence to write this article. Neither the author nor Natural Intelligence provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or your local emergency number immediately.

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