Suwon Special City to Officially Launch 'Smart Care Plug' Project Using IoT Technology

[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Jung Jun-seong] Suwon Special City is set to officially launch the 'Smart Care Plug' project utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology starting from the 18th to address the increase in single-person households and deepening social isolation.

The city signed a business agreement with A-9, a specialized company in IoT-based smart care services, at Hong Jae Welfare Town on the 11th. Both institutions have established a cooperation framework for constructing smart welfare infrastructure, including device installation, control system integration, and maintenance necessary for promoting the Smart Care Plug project.

The city will oversee project operations and beneficiary management, while A-9 will support device supply and control platform operation. The city plans to operate a continuous check-in system in connection with dong administrative welfare centers.

The 'Smart Care Plug' is a device connected to the power plugs of household appliances frequently used at home (TV, microwave, etc.) that analyzes power consumption and light intensity changes in real time.

If no change in usage is detected during a set time period, artificial intelligence (AI) places a check-in call to the beneficiary and sends a risk alert text message to the responsible officer. The officer confirms the beneficiary's well-being and responds to crisis situations. The non-face-to-face Smart Care Plug system establishes a continuous check-in system for those at risk of loneliness and isolation while strengthening the preventive safety net.

Following the agreement ceremony, preliminary training was provided on the 11th to 44 dong officials in charge of loneliness and isolation issues. After distributing 200 Smart Care Plug units by dong, project preparations will be complete.

A city official stated, "With this agreement and the commencement of operations, Suwon City's system for preventing loneliness and isolation will advance to the next level," adding "We will build Suwon's smart care check-in confirmation system by combining smart technology with officials' meticulous management."