[Silicon Valley] AI Monitoring Service 'BUDDY' That 'Predicts' Fall Risk Launches in Japan with AI Features Including Gait Analysis

LiveFreely Inc. (Headquarters: Silicon Valley, California, USA), a digital health technology company, launched its AI monitoring platform "BUDDY" in Japan on June 23, 2026 (Tue).

This service utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to continuously analyze the health status and lifestyle patterns of the elderly, with the key feature of "PREDICT. PREVENT. CONNECT.TM" to predict and prevent risks such as falls before they occur. Prior to its introduction in Japan, a demonstration experiment was conducted on June 23 at a facility in Fukuoka Prefecture, in cooperation with Caring Inc. (Headquarters: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture), a company that operates care services primarily in Fukuoka. The demonstration verified the potential for use and utility in care settings.

Overview of AI Monitoring Platform "BUDDY"

"BUDDY" is an application that can be used in conjunction with wearable devices such as Apple Watch and Fitbit. It is a digital health platform that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to continuously analyze the health status and lifestyle patterns of the elderly. It learns each user's health patterns, predicts and detects risks such as falls in advance, and notifies family members, care staff, and emergency contacts in real-time when abnormalities are detected.

Furthermore, it integrates functions such as continuous health monitoring, medication management, and location tracking. Based on the concept of "from post-fall response to pre-fall prevention," it aims to achieve "proactive agingTM" supported by AI, ensuring safety while maintaining users' independent lives.

Service Site: https://www.buddy.jp/

[6 Features]

(1) Fall Prediction and Detection

AI learns the user's movements and lifestyle patterns to detect early signs of fall risk. By distinguishing differences from daily movements, it achieves highly accurate detection while minimizing false positives. Additionally, if a fall occurs, it notifies relevant parties to enable prompt response.

(2) Gait Analysis

Continuously analyzes changes in gait and movement to detect early signs of changes in health status and fall risk.

(3) Continuous Health Monitoring

Utilizes smartwatch sensors to grasp daily changes in health status based on data such as heart rate and activity levels, and detects abnormalities.

(4) Medication Management and Lifestyle Support

Supports independence in daily life through medication reminders and schedule management functions.

(5) Location Information and Monitoring (GPS/Geofencing)

Identifies current location based on location information and notifies when the user deviates from a set activity range.

(6) Real-time Emergency Notification

When an abnormality is detected, real-time notifications are sent to family members, care staff, etc.

Why BUDDY Now?

In elderly care worldwide, including Japan, the mainstream approach has been "reactive care," responding after accidents or health deterioration occur. BUDDY utilizes AI and data to predict and prevent risks from slight daily changes, promoting a new approach of "predictive, preventive, connected care" that enables the elderly to live healthier, more independent lives for longer.

Japan is one of the world's leading super-aged societies, facing increasingly serious challenges such as a shortage of care workers, increased burden on facility operations, and a rise in elderly individuals living alone. In particular, falls and tumbles are a major factor leading to the need for long-term care, making preventive measures crucial. Against this backdrop, BUDDY aims to support the extension of healthy life expectancy, the realization of independent living for the elderly, and the reduction of the burden on care sites in the Japanese market through "predictive, preventive, connected care."

Regarding the Japanese launch, Arthur Jue, CEO / Co-founder of LiveFreely, stated: "We are very pleased to be able to contribute to many people and various organizations in Japan. Japan is one of the most important markets in the world for senior wellness and aging technology. Starting with the demonstration experiment in Fukuoka, we will deliver 'predictive, preventive, connected care' to care settings and support each elderly individual in living a healthier and more independent life. We aim to create an environment that provides significant value not only to users but also to the care workers and families who support their care."

Demonstration Experiment Conducted in Fukuoka

Prior to the full-scale launch in Japan, a demonstration experiment was conducted on June 23, 2026, at a facility in Fukuoka Prefecture. This experiment verified the potential for use in care settings, improvement of user safety, and reduction of staff workload.

User comments from the demonstration experiment included: "It's cool. It provides peace of mind. Especially since it's not complicated to set up or operate, and I don't have to do anything, even people who aren't good with machines can use it," and "It feels natural. Operation is simple, just by pressing 'I'm OK.'"

Staff commented, "The information is easy to see at a glance when I open the app," and it is expected that the introduction of BUDDY will enable staff to support users more appropriately, while also increasing peace of mind for families.

Demonstration Experiment in Progress User Wearing BUDDY

Company Overview

LiveFreely Inc.

LiveFreely is a digital health technology company based in San Jose, California, USA, that supports the elderly, their families, and caregivers in living more independent, connected, and free lives. Its flagship platform, "BUDDY," uses AI to analyze health patterns and notifies family, caregivers, and emergency contacts when abnormalities are detected. By connecting care teams, families, and users, it aims to build a safer and more secure care ecosystem.

Caring Inc.

Caring is a care service company headquartered in Fukuoka Prefecture. It provides a wide range of services for the elderly, including home-visit nursing care, day services, care support, and residential services. As a partner for LiveFreely's expansion into Japan, it will proceed with the introduction and demonstration of the AI monitoring platform "BUDDY." https://www.caring.jp/

SPRINK Inc.

SPRINK is a company that supports overseas companies entering the Japanese market. Leveraging its knowledge of the Japanese market and operational expertise, it provides comprehensive support to enable overseas companies to smoothly launch and expand their services in Japan. In this project, it supports LiveFreely's entry into the Japanese market and the demonstration and deployment of "BUDDY," promoting its smooth introduction into the Japanese care and elderly care market.