With the Alzheimer’s Society’s annual Dementia Action Week happening next week, Milbotix CEO Dr Zeke Steer joined a special livestream hosted by Dementia Researcher to discuss how AI and wearable technologies are transforming dementia care. The session, broadcast live across YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X, brought together innovators and clinicians working at the intersection of technology and care.
Zeke was joined by Sarah Daniels, a leading occupational therapist and research lead at the UK Dementia Research Institute’s Care and Technology Centre. Together, they explored the challenges, opportunities, and real-world impact of implementing next-generation wearables in dementia research and care settings.
The Problem: Detecting Distress, Improving Lives
People living with dementia often struggle to communicate feelings of anxiety or agitation—making it difficult for carers to respond appropriately and in time. As Sarah Daniels noted, this can lead to avoidable hospital admissions and a loss of independence.
Enter SmartSocks®, Milbotix’s innovative wearable solution. Designed as a familiar and non-stigmatizing garment, SmartSocks® monitor physiological signs such as heart rate, sweat levels, motion, and skin temperature to detect signs of emotional distress—providing real-time insights that empower carers to respond early and effectively.
The Technology: Human-Centred, AI-Driven
Zeke shared the journey from defence engineering to dementia innovation, explaining how negative feedback about wrist-worn wearables in care homes led to the creation of SmartSocks®. Built with machine-washable fabrics and knitted-in sensors, the socks stream data securely via Wi-Fi, providing seamless monitoring without disrupting daily routines.
Two versions of SmartSocks® are currently in development:
SmartSocks® Discovery, now available for research applications.
SmartSocks® Comfort, which integrates AI to alert carers when the wearer is distressed.
The Research: From Living Labs to Real Homes
Sarah Daniels highlighted the Minder study, a flagship initiative of the UK DRI that integrates passive sensors and wearables in the homes of people living with dementia. The platform has already collected data from over 240 participants, helping to build predictive models for care and safety.
Milbotix is now collaborating with the DRI to trial SmartSocks® in their Living Lab and community settings, with the goal of refining the product based on real-world feedback and supporting wider use across the care sector.
The Vision: Building the Evidence Base for Better Care
As part of an ongoing project with HUG by LAUGH®, SmartSocks® will also be used to measure the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions—such as HUG®, a therapeutic comforter—to provide quantitative data on emotional well-being.
Zeke noted:
“If we can demonstrate clear, measurable impact—whether in reducing agitation, improving sleep, or supporting independence—we can help drive adoption across health and social care systems.”
Looking Ahead
Milbotix is proud to be part of a growing community of health tech pioneers using AI and human-centred design to reimagine how we care for people living with dementia. As demand for care rises, technology like SmartSocks® offers a way to deliver more compassionate, proactive, and data-informed support.
Want to collaborate?
Milbotix is actively working with researchers, clinicians, and care providers in the UK and internationally. If you’re interested in using SmartSocks® in your research or care setting, please get in touch.
