The project team showcased the development of smart beacons and wearable devices, highlighting their work on non-invasive monitoring technologies for elderly and chronically ill patients.
Aranjuez, July 4, 2025 – Researchers from the MicroChip4Age project, part of our ASIA research group (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Applications) at the University of Jaén, took part in the REPNIN++ network workshop held at the University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), located at the San Carlos Hospital in Aranjuez. The event is one of the main national forums for sharing research and innovation in applied engineering.
During the session, the team presented their progress on the analysis, design, and development of environmental “pawn” beacons and BLE-enabled smart wristbands, which form a key part of the intelligent indoor localization system being developed within MicroChip4Age. These components are being designed and produced in-house to ensure privacy, usability, and seamless integration into real-world domestic and care environments.
A strategic network for smart indoor environments
The REPNIN++ network (Indoor Positioning and Navigation Network), coordinated by the GEINTRA group at the University of Alcalá, aims to foster technological advancement and collaboration in indoor positioning and smart space applications, with a strong focus on healthcare, industry, and social care settings.
The participation of the ASIA group allowed them to share MicroChip4Age’s interdisciplinary and human-centered approach. Funded through the PERTE CHIP initiative, the project focuses on monitoring daily activity and promoting independent living for older adults using interpretable artificial intelligence, distributed sensors, and non-invasive indoor positioning — all without cameras or microphones.
Ethical and scalable positioning technology
In addition to technological development, the team emphasized the importance of privacy protection, user trust, and social acceptability in indoor monitoring systems. Their presentation highlighted the participatory design process, which includes collaboration with healthcare professionals, older adults, and legal-ethical experts to ensure the solution is effective, respectful, and ready for real-world deployment.
The REPNIN++ meeting offered a valuable opportunity for scientific exchange and cooperation with leading research groups from across Spain, and strengthened MicroChip4Age’s position as a benchmark project in ethical and user-centered indoor positioning technologies.
