iWOW Technology, in collaboration with Semtech Corporation, has significantly enhanced elder care in Singapore through the deployment of a LoRaWAN-based emergency alert system. Since 2019, this system has been installed in 10,000 public housing flats, providing nearly 27,000 seniors with immediate access to emergency assistance. Notably, 98% of the devices remain operational after five years, underscoring the system's reliability and the low power consumption of LoRa technology. 

The key challenges of the project revolved around addressing several critical factors. First, ensuring extended battery life was essential to reduce maintenance efforts and costs, as frequent battery replacements would be impractical and disruptive in a large-scale deployment. Second, implementing a cost-effective solution was vital, particularly given the dense and resource-intensive nature of housing blocks in urban settings, where affordability without compromising reliability was a priority. Finally, scalability was a major consideration, as the system needed to not only address the immediate needs of emergency alert services but also support potential future IoT applications, enabling the infrastructure to adapt and expand with evolving technological and community requirements.

iWOW developed a wall-mounted, battery-powered emergency button that when pressed initiates an emergency call to a 24-hour response center and notifies the resident's next of kin via an associated app. The system leverages Semtech’s LoRa technology and the LoRaWAN protocol, chosen for its low power consumption and scalability.

The successful deployment of Singapore’s elderly emergency alert system highlights the collaborative efforts of Semtech and iWOW Technology. Leveraging Semtech’s LoRa technology and iWOW’s expertise in integrated wireless IoT solutions, the partnership addressed the unique challenges of providing reliable, low-power, and cost-effective connectivity in densely populated public housing. iWOW’s deep understanding of IoT solutions and its ability to design custom hardware combined seamlessly with Semtech’s scalable LoRaWAN capabilities to deliver a highly effective emergency response system. 

Partnering with iWOW and Semtech has provided significant advantages for the Singapore Ministry of Health and its Age Well SG program: 

• Low Maintenance Costs: The LoRa-powered devices offer extended battery life, reducing maintenance requirements and costs over time. 

• Reliable Emergency Access: Seniors benefit from round-the-clock access to emergency assistance, promoting independent living and peace of mind. 

• Future-Ready Infrastructure: The system is designed to scale and support additional IoT applications, ensuring long-term adaptability and innovation.