Milbotix, the med-tech innovator behind SmartSocks®, is proud to announce a new care-focused collaboration with HUG by LAUGH®, creators of the award-winning HUG® sensory device. The partnership aims to provide measurable, quantitative evidence of HUG’s effectiveness as a non-pharmacological intervention, potentially supporting its broader adoption in healthcare.
SmartSocks® are intelligent wearable devices that monitor signs of stress and anxiety by measuring changes in sweat, motion, and heart rate. Developed through research at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the University of Bristol, Milbotix’s mission is to provide caregivers with real-time insights into the wellbeing of those they care for – especially those who struggle to communicate how they feel.
HUG®, a soft, comforting sensory device with a simulated heartbeat and integrated music, has already transformed dementia care in homes and hospitals across the UK and internationally. Co-designed during the LAUGH project at Cardiff Metropolitan University, HUG is commercially available via spinout company HUG by LAUGH® and has received glowing endorsements from carers and families.
Now, Milbotix and HUG by LAUGH® are joining forces to explore how SmartSocks® can provide quantifiable data on the emotional impact of HUG®. By capturing real-time changes in psychological wellbeing, the partnership aims to demonstrate how these non-pharmacological interventions can reduce agitation and anxiety, ultimately improving care outcomes.
Dr Zeke Steer, CEO of Milbotix and inventor of SmartSocks®, commented:
“We’re excited to be working with HUG by LAUGH® to gather meaningful, measurable evidence on how HUG impacts people emotionally and physiologically. SmartSocks® will allow us to detect subtle changes in wellbeing, helping carers better understand and respond to emotional needs. Our goal is to support wider adoption of assistive technologies like HUG and SmartSocks® across health and social care.”
The collaboration also involves leading expertise from UWE Bristol’s Health and Computer Science departments and will extend beyond dementia care to explore benefits for people with autism, mental health conditions, and those in palliative care.
As part of this initiative, Vilans, the Dutch Centre of Expertise for Long-Term Care—will conduct an evaluation in two dementia care facilities in the Netherlands. This study will assess the impact of SmartSocks® and HUG® on wellbeing, alongside potential cost savings for care providers.
The insights generated from both UK and Dutch studies will inform a future NHS pilot, as the partners work to integrate these technologies into mainstream care.
This collaboration is especially meaningful as both Milbotix and HUG by LAUGH® have been supported by Alzheimer’s Society’s award-winning Accelerator Programme. It marks the first time two Accelerator-backed innovations have come together to drive change in dementia care.
With nearly one million people currently living with dementia in the UK – a number expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040 – the need for scalable, effective, and compassionate solutions has never been greater.
Simon Lord, Head of Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“This collaboration shows the power of innovation in dementia care. It’s inspiring to see our Accelerator partners join forces to create impactful, evidence-based solutions like SmartSocks® and HUG. Technologies like these can significantly improve quality of life by addressing symptoms such as anxiety and agitation.”
Milbotix is proud to be at the forefront of digital innovation in social care and remains committed to creating technologies that support carers and improve lives.
