Умные датчики предупредили персонал о поломке котла за четыре часа до аварии в доме престарелых

SENSORS gave staff four hours’ warning of a potential boiler breakdown during Storm Éowyn. The early alert came during a six-month technology pilot at Langvout Court, a retirement housing development in Biggar, thanks to a smart sensor system designed to detect and report potential issues in real-time. The project, which also identified other risks such as high humidity and faulty extractor fans, was a collaboration between Glasgow-based technology company Archangel, Bield Housing & Care, and the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre. Gavin Wright, head of property management at Bield, said: "This project demonstrates how thoughtful use of technology can support older people to live independently, safely, and with dignity. "The technology deployed at Langvout Court has brought clear cost savings and improved safety. "As a result, we’re now rolling out this approach across our wider estate." Environmental and activity sensors were installed around Langvout Court and connected to Archangel’s data platform. Sensor data was centralised into a single operational view, enabling staff to receive automated alerts and respond proactively to emerging risks. Tom Morton, founder and chairman of Archangel, said: "Langvout Court shows why orchestration matters. "The value did not come from one sensor or one alert. "It came from bringing different signals together and connecting insight to a coordinated response. "When the same connected infrastructure can support safer homes, lower costs, stronger compliance, and earlier support, the case for scale is clear. "The next step is to make this normal practice and extend the benefits to more people." An independent evaluation found the technology could deliver estimated annual savings of £7,670 in heating costs and £2,825 in maintenance costs. Additional benefits included improved tenant safety, fewer manual checks, and stronger regulatory compliance. The project was funded by the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology through the Glasgow City Region 5G Smart and Connected Places Programme. Langvout Court now serves as a model of how integrated sensor technology can support early intervention, better decision-making, and coordinated care for older residents.