Fujitsu makes 'smart walking stick' to help elderly

A walking stick with built-in sat-nav has been developed by Japanese technology giant Fujitsu. The Next Generation Cane is designed to help elderly people find their way, as well as monitor things such as heart rate and temperature. Its location can also be followed online - and can be set up to send email alerts if it thinks the user may have fallen over. Technology for the elderly is a key concern for Japan's ageing population. Fujitsu, like several companies in the region, is looking at ways to help us remain mobile and connected later into our lives - potentially extending our ability to keep on working. The prototype device, shown off at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, is equipped with various connection technologies such as GPS, 3G and wifi - and has an LED display on top of the handle. If a change of direction is needed, the walking stick vibrates, and an arrow appears. BBC