Witnessing her grandparents’ aging journey inspired Shreya Thakkar to create ‘Wander On’—a smart cane and walker that promote independence and safety for seniors through modern technology.
- Smart cane tracks health data and includes an SOS feature
- Walker offers adjustable seating, GPS, and smart home integration
- Designed to empower seniors’ independence and mobility
What happened
Shreya Thakkar created the Wander On Assist 01 smart cane and the Assist 02 walker to address the needs of elderly people seeking both support and independence as they age. Motivated by caregiving experiences with her grandparents and volunteering in senior living facilities, she designed these devices to combine mobility assistance with critical health and safety features.
The smart cane includes adjustable height, an ergonomic build, a pedometer, and sensors to monitor blood pressure, temperature, and pulse. It also features an SOS button for emergencies. The upgraded walker model adds wheels, a seat, GPS tracking, smart home connectivity, and hand gesture detection, allowing seniors to comfortably transition between sitting and standing while staying connected with their loved ones.
Why it feels good
Shreya’s approach challenges the stereotype that aging means frailty or passivity. Instead, her designs focus on preserving independence and dignity, responding directly to elder users’ expressed wishes for autonomy and joyful meandering. The smart devices are not just tools but companions that promote physical freedom while providing reassurance with health monitoring and emergency features.
Every iteration of her designs reflected valuable learning from failures and feedback, underscoring a compassionate and user-centered innovation process. This dedication reinforces how technology can be thoughtfully applied to improve quality of life for seniors, helping them feel secure without sacrificing control over their daily routines.
What to enjoy or watch next
Look forward to the wider availability and adoption of assistive devices like Wander On that blend smart technology with elder care. These innovations promise to redefine how society supports aging populations, allowing seniors to age in place gracefully and independently with technology tuned to their unique needs.
Following Shreya Thakkar’s ongoing work will offer insight into future designs that further enhance mobility, safety, and connectedness for older adults. Her vision highlights a broader movement toward respectful, empowering elder care solutions that can inspire designers, caregivers, and communities worldwide.