What is the name of your organization?
AssisTech
What is the name of your solution?
SmartShower
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
SmartShower: An assistive technology for special needs individuals that adds voice-control functionality in any existing shower installation.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Los Angeles, CA, USA
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
USA
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
SmartShower addresses the widespread health and safety risk faced by elderly, disabled, and mobility-impaired individuals when showering alone. In 2023, the U.S. reported over 55 million people aged 65 and older, 42.5 million individuals living with disabilities, and more than 58.5 million afflicted with arthritis—many of whom are at risk of slipping and falling in the shower when bending, reaching, or applying force to reach and turn shower knobs. According to the CDC, 80% of falls in the home occur in the bathroom, and over 83,000 seniors are treated in emergency rooms each year due to bathroom falls in the U.S. alone. These incidents often lead to hospitalization, loss of independence, increased reliance on caregivers, and avoidance of personal hygiene care. SmartShower reduces this hazard by allowing users to initiate and end a shower using voice commands. Moreover, once a preferred temperature mix is set, future showers will no longer require manual shower control or recalibration of shower knobs. SmartShower enhances safety, improves hygiene autonomy, supports aging-in-place, and addresses both the physical risk and the psychological impact of lost independence—two major factors that affect the health and quality of life of millions.
What is your solution?
SmartShower is an accessory that fits in between a standard shower arm and a user’s existing showerhead, adding Amazon Alexa-enabled voice control functionality to any shower installation. This allows users to control shower water flow with voice commands such as “Echo shower on” and “Echo shower off” which are processed by a companion Amazon Echo device. Once a preferred temperature mix is established, SmartShower will ensure that future showers are a touchless experience with no need for recalibration. Future software updates are planned that will enhance SmartShower’s smart speaker compatibility to include systems such as Google Nest.
Product demo video: https://youtu.be/1-J_3ozW9YY
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
SmartShower serves elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those with limited mobility or chronic conditions such as arthritis—populations who routinely face bodily risk and disproportionate difficulty when seeking to avail themselves of the physical and mental health benefits of showering. In 2023, the senior, disabled, and arthritis afflicted populations in the U.S. each exceeded 40 million people. These individuals are often underserved by traditional bathroom designs that cater to the able-bodied, putting them at increased risk of serious injury, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life. Many rely on caregivers for daily bathing, which can lead to feelings of helplessness, loss of dignity, and a negative mental outlook. SmartShower directly addresses their needs as a smart home device that enables a touchless showering experience, eliminating the need for assistance from others. This restores autonomy, reduces fall risk, and encourages regular hygiene routines that are the foundation of good health and well-being. By removing physical barriers and promoting independent living, SmartShower improves safety and convenience and provides a solution to an everyday challenge confronted by millions who are too often overlooked by mainstream home technologies.
