As part of the CommuniCity Second Round of Open Calls, a pilot in Helsinki is advancing healthcare innovation through a sensor system designed to help prevent pressure ulcers in wheelchair users. This cutting-edge technology was developed by Suomen Digitaalinen Tehdas Oy in collaboration with Touchlab Limited, drawing on intensive co-creation efforts involving care professionals, researchers, and the pilot team.
Collaborative Innovation: A Co-Creation Success Story
The pilot aimed to refine a sensor-based system that alerts caregivers to pressure buildup on wheelchair cushions—an essential tool in preventing debilitating pressure ulcers. Over several months, the team conducted multiple co-creation workshops and on-site fittings with care professionals and end-users at Helsinki’s Kivelä Senior Centre and other locations.
Frequent and transparent communication emerged as a cornerstone of the pilot’s success. Feedback loops between developers, subcontractors, and healthcare providers allowed the team to adapt the sensor to real-world conditions, overcoming challenges such as material durability and varying wheelchair configurations. This iterative approach refined the product and strengthened trust and collaboration among stakeholders.
From Prototype to Market-Ready Solution
The pilot focused on enhancing the sensor’s usability, including ease of installation, compatibility with wheelchair cushions, and app-based controls for care professionals. These efforts resulted in a market-ready, standalone device meeting high safety, hygiene, and adaptability standards, with features like machine-washable components and robust battery performance, paving the way for wider adoption.
Next Steps
With promising results from the Helsinki pilot, the team is gearing up for further testing and development. Plans are underway to collect additional user data in collaboration with healthcare providers, ensuring the solution continues to evolve based on real-world needs.
The CommuniCity project, which supports technology pilots across Europe, has demonstrated the power of co-creation and collaboration in driving social innovation. Currently, CommuniCity is launching its Third Open Call pilots, expected to run in 16 European cities until the end of May 2025.