Implementación de un prototipo para localización de personas de la tercera edad utilizando una aplicación web y tecnología Sigfox

Abstract

Cases of missing elderly individuals, particularly in urban areas, are frequently reported in Colombia. Many of these individuals suffer from degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, increasing their risk of disorientation and getting lost in public spaces. This situation generates significant concern for relatives and caregivers, who often lack efficient tools for timely location and assistance. In Bogotá, unlike other cities worldwide, there is no official system in place for locating missing elderly people. This highlights the need for accessible, socially focused technological solutions. To address this issue, a low-power, long-range tracking system was developed for elderly individuals at risk of disorientation. The system integrates a microcontroller with Sigfox connectivity and a GPS module to collect and transmit geolocation data to the cloud. The architecture was built using Microsoft Azure services, with serverless functions and an SQL database to process and store the data. A web application developed with React and Leaflet allows caregivers to remotely monitor the location of the elderly person from any internet-connected device. The prototype proved functional and efficient during tests conducted in Bogotá and the nearby municipality of Soacha. Sigfox technology showed good coverage and communication stability, and the cloud integration enabled effective data processing. The web interface was found to be intuitive and user-friendly for caregivers across different device types.