Falls among the elderly are emerging as a social issue. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the proportion of fall injury patients aged 70 and older in 2024 has increased 2.1 times compared to 10 years ago. Falls have led to brain injuries and fractures, with hospitalization and mortality rates increasing with age.
In this context, a space management solution startup utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), 'UNIUNI,' is gaining attention. UNIUNI provides an AI solution called 'Savvy' that detects and analyzes behavior in nursing facilities, hospitals, and homes to help discover falls early and respond quickly.
UNIUNI was founded by CEO Han Soo-yeon in August 2020. CEO Han developed the AI behavioral detection solution 'Savvy' to address the problem of hidden cameras in public restrooms while protecting privacy. She noted, "To solve the issue of public restrooms that we face daily, it is necessary to fundamentally analyze human behavior."
UNIUNI provides a solution for managing risks within spaces. When Savvy detects abnormal behavior through sensors, data is provided to administrators.
Additionally, it predicts management conditions and item usage based on frequently occurring behaviors within the space, enhancing the efficiency of space management. UNIUNI aims to reduce users' space management expenses by more than 30% through this service.
UNIUNI holds a leading position in the field of restroom space AI solutions. Savvy is currently the number one behavioral detection AI solution for public restrooms in Korea, with over 500 units sold. It has also commenced exports. Considering the different restroom usage practices across countries, it plans to first enter similar cultural regions and then expand its market. UNIUNI plans to expand, starting with its recent contract in Malaysia and moving to Japan and Europe.
UNIUNI is expanding its space solutions into the senior market, including nursing facilities and hospitals.
CEO Han stated, "As global aging accelerates, new space risks are emerging," adding that "the demand for AI that helps recognize behaviors such as falls and isolation without invading privacy is increasing." UNIUNI has launched indirect exports, planning to enter Japan by the end of 2024. From this year, it will begin providing services after securing contracts with domestic hospitals.
UNIUNI's competitive edge lies in its independently developed AI engine and high accuracy based on sensor data. Savvy boasts over 10% higher accuracy compared to other solutions by analyzing abnormal behavior through extracting features from ultra-low-resolution data. Based on this technological capability, it has registered nine patents so far and has received the CES Innovation Award, as well as awards from the Minister of the Interior and Safety and the Minister of Health and Welfare. Recently, it secured a U.S. patent, focusing on building technological barriers and addressing legal risks.
UNIUNI has generated a total revenue of 800 million won to date, with over 500 units sold. It has also raised 200 million won in investment due to its recognized growth potential.
UNIUNI plans to provide solutions to more spaces in the future, notably expanding into industrial sites and construction sites where occupational accidents frequently occur.
CEO Han remarked, "The sensors suitable for behavior analysis differ from space to space," stating, "Our goal is to enhance the overall safety level and efficiency of society by providing AI services tailored to each space and purpose."