TOKO - An innovative system for remote monitoring and health care

Project facts

Project promoter:
Nobilis Animo Ltd.(BG)
Project Number:
BG-INNOVATION-0044
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€330,656
Donor Project Partners:
Infiniwell AS(NO)

More information

Description

The project''s primary objective is the development of an innovative telemonitoring device named TOKO. TOKO represents a wearable medical device designed for individual home and ambulatory usage. It operates by continuously streaming live medical-grade data, accessible via a web server, complete with analysis capabilities and a warning system that provides preventive guidelines. This versatile device serves various purposes, such as ambulatory diagnostics, fitness and wellness monitoring, post-hospitalization follow-up, and general health tracking. Notably, it operates independently, requiring no additional supplies or peripheral devices, featuring wireless charging and data transmission via a SIM card.

The hardware component of the TOKO device will undergo integration with specialized software known as Sentio, developed by our Norwegian partner, Infiniwell AS. Collaborative efforts will be directed towards comprehensive testing and validation to ensure seamless communication and the effective operation of all integrated components. To solidify the system''s reliability, medical experts, including doctors, will conduct rigorous testing, validating the technology''s readiness to serve as a robust solution for remote monitoring and healthcare. The ultimate aim is to create a comprehensive system that addresses the evolving social and health challenges posed by our aging population.

By accomplishing this ambitious goal, the project will undeniably bolster the competitiveness and market positions of both project partners. The aspiration is for TOKO to swiftly establish itself as a premier product that delivers high-quality social and healthcare services to elderly individuals worldwide. In addition to the economic benefits that Nobilis Animo Ltd. and Infiniwell AS stand to gain, the project''s success will significantly enhance the overall quality of life for thousands of elderly individuals and those requiring continuous care.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several interrelated issues in healthcare, particularly concerning the needs of elderly people and individuals with chronic diseases. One of the primary challenges it sought to tackle was the fragmentation of existing telemedical services, which are typically offered by different, disconnected providers across various sectors like health, social care, and housing. These services are often isolated from one another and lack interoperability, resulting in inefficiencies, duplication of effort, and limited access to holistic, continuous care. The project’s innovative system, known as TOKO, was envisioned to overcome this by creating a comprehensive solution for real-time remote health monitoring. Another key issue the project targeted was the growing pressure on healthcare systems due to aging populations and the increasing cost of managing chronic illnesses, which consume a significant portion of healthcare budgets. The project aimed to reduce this burden by enabling early detection, continuous monitoring, and timely interventions that could prevent complications and hospital readmissions. It also sought to provide solutions to geographical barriers, particularly in rural and remote areas with limited access to specialized healthcare services. Additionally, the project addressed environmental concerns by designing reusable medical sensors to minimize waste, aligning with sustainable development goals. It also recognized the digital divide affecting older populations, aiming to improve digital literacy through user-friendly technology.

Overall, the initiative was driven by a need to increase competitiveness and innovation in the Bulgarian healthcare technology sector, while also promoting bilateral cooperation with Norway and ensuring inclusive, efficient, and environmentally responsible healthcare delivery.

The TOKO system is an advanced wearable medical device designed for continuous, real-time remote monitoring of individuals’ health, particularly targeting the elderly and those with chronic conditions. It combines innovative hardware and software to deliver medical-grade data 24/7 directly to healthcare providers and caregivers. The device does not require additional peripherals or disposable supplies, reducing medical waste and simplifying user operation. It features wireless charging and transmits data via a built-in SIM card, making it fully autonomous and suitable for use in both home and ambulatory settings.

On the software side, TOKO integrates with Sentio, a sophisticated health data analysis platform developed by the Norwegian partner, Infiniwell AS. This platform employs artificial intelligence and machine learning for real-time analysis, issuing alerts and recommendations based on detected health anomalies. The system offers two main user modes: one tailored for patients, which provides alerts and personalized health recommendations via a mobile app, and another designed for medical professionals, enabling live visualization of data and direct clinical insights. Additional capabilities include integration with hospital IT systems, anonymous data sharing for third-party monitoring, and compatibility with mobile devices and online payment/subscription services.

Through this synergy of hardware and software, TOKO aims to offer a comprehensive and scalable solution for modern telemedicine needs, promoting better health outcomes, greater autonomy for patients, and operational efficiency for healthcare providers.

The project carried out a series of research, development, testing, and demonstration activities aimed at creating an innovative wearable medical device for continuous 24/7 tele-monitoring of health, primarily targeting elderly individuals and people with chronic conditions.

The first phase involved technical research, safety and usability evaluations, and component prototyping. The team developed and validated individual components in a simulated laboratory environment, achieving a medium-fidelity prototype and reaching Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5. This provided the foundation for building a fully integrated system.

In the second phase, the hardware device (TOKO) and software platform (Sentio) were engineered, integrated, and tested together. The complete system underwent validation in relevant real-world environments, successfully demonstrating functionality and performance. This phase brought the technology to TRL 7 by addressing scaling issues and proving its capability in actual operational settings.

The third phase focused on completing, validating, and certifying the final version of the TOKO system. The product was tested as a whole, including real-time data reception and analysis, and was certified according to international medical device standards (ISO 13485, ISO 27000). These certifications confirmed the system’s readiness for healthcare use.

In the final phase, the TOKO system was publicly demonstrated in Bulgaria and Norway, including targeted presentations for hospitals, healthcare providers, and potential clients. The project also participated in exhibitions and collaborated with digital health clusters, increasing visibility and outreach. A patent application was granted to protect the innovation.

The main outputs of the project included a high-fidelity, certified prototype of the TOKO system, successful real-world demonstrations, and a granted patent, all contributing to a market-ready solution for remote health monitoring.

The project achieved significant results by successfully developing, validating, and demonstrating an innovative wearable medical device designed for continuous 24/7 tele-monitoring of health, primarily benefiting elderly individuals and people with chronic diseases. Through a structured series of research and development activities, the project advanced the technology from an early prototype (TRL 4) to a high-fidelity, near-market-ready product (TRL 8).

Initially, the project conducted technical research, usability and safety assessments, and laboratory validation of individual system components, achieving a medium-fidelity prototype and proving its performance in a simulated operational environment. This laid the foundation for further development. The second phase focused on integrating the hardware device (TOKO) and the software platform (Sentio), resulting in a fully functional system that was tested and demonstrated in relevant, real-world environments. The engineering team addressed all critical scaling issues, and the integrated system was proven to perform reliably under actual conditions, reaching TRL 7.

Following this, the final version of the system was completed, validated, and certified according to international medical device standards (ISO 13485, ISO 27000), ensuring its readiness for use in healthcare environments. The final system combined real-time data collection, analysis, and alerts, and functioned without the need for additional equipment, making it highly accessible for patients in home or ambulatory settings. Wireless charging and SIM card connectivity further enhanced user convenience.

The final stage of the project involved the official public demonstration and presentation of the TOKO system. These demonstrations took place in both Bulgaria and Norway, targeting healthcare institutions, social care organizations, and potential commercial partners. The project also secured a patent application, protecting its innovative technology and enabling future commercialization.

The primary beneficiaries of the project were elderly individuals and people with chronic health conditions, who gained access to a user-friendly, medically certified device that enabled continuous health monitoring and early warning of potential health issues. Healthcare professionals also benefited, as they were able to receive real-time patient data and respond proactively. Furthermore, caregivers and families experienced improved peace of mind due to the system’s reliable monitoring capabilities. The project partners—Nobilis Animo Ltd. and Infiniwell AS—also gained significant value, including technological advancement, increased market potential, and strengthened international collaboration. Overall, the project had a strong impact on the digital health sector by introducing an innovative, scalable, and integrable remote health monitoring solution.

Summary of bilateral results

The bilateral results of the project represent the collaborative achievements that were made possible through the partnership between Nobilis Animo Ltd. and Infiniwell AS. This collaboration fostered the exchange of expertise, resources, and insights, leading to the development of an innovative remote health monitoring system designed to improve the lives of elderly individuals and people with disabilities. The results of this partnership were impactful not only for the direct beneficiaries but also for the involved organizations, as well as the broader healthcare and telemedicine sectors.From a bilateral perspective, the collaboration between the two partners allowed for the successful integration of complementary skills and technologies. Infiniwell AS, with its expertise in health data analysis and software development, contributed critical knowledge to ensure the system’s software platform was capable of handling large volumes of health data, providing real-time insights, and enabling effective remote monitoring. On the other hand, Nobilis Animo Ltd., through its development of tele-monitoring devices, provided the hardware infrastructure that worked seamlessly with the software to create an end-to-end solution for remote health monitoring.This bilateral partnership allowed both companies to share knowledge and innovate together in ways they could not have done alone. The successful creation of the system''s working prototype was a key outcome of this collaboration, and it demonstrated the power of combining state-of-the-art telemedicine devices with cutting-edge software solutions to address the challenges of remote healthcare management.Nobilis Animo Ltd. enhanced its competitiveness in the telemedicine industry, positioning itself as a leader in the development of remote monitoring solutions, while Infiniwell AS expanded its capabilities in integrating software systems with telemedicine hardware, which is a growing area in the healthcare sector.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.