With the contribution of Lombardy Region and the Lombardy Chamber System under the “SI4.0 2024 Call”, MTM S.r.l. has carried out the STEP – Smart T-shirt for Elder People project, an initiative dedicated to developing an advanced wearable device designed to significantly improve the quality of life of elderly and vulnerable individuals.
STEP introduces an innovative assistance model based on a smart T-shirt capable of continuously monitoring the user’s vital parameters. The project stems from the need to provide a comfortable and technologically advanced tool that can support both personal autonomy and the daily work of caregivers and healthcare professionals. Through the integration of IoT sensor technology, advanced data analysis algorithms, and a dedicated management platform, the system can detect sudden changes in health conditions, generate timely alerts, and facilitate rapid and appropriate interventions.

STEP
Beneficiary: MTM S.r.l.
Call: SI4.0 2024
General Objective: Promote the development of innovative solutions, products and/or services focused on new skills and digital technologies, in line with the strategy outlined in the National Transition Plan 5.0.
Brief Description: Development of a Smart T-shirt equipped with integrated sensors for monitoring the vital parameters of elderly individuals. The device is connected to a cloud platform that processes the data through AI algorithms to detect anomalies, send alerts, and facilitate communication between patients, caregivers, and healthcare operators.
Objectives
The purpose of the STEP project is to make the daily monitoring of elderly people’s health simpler, safer, and more reliable. To achieve this, MTM has developed a wearable technology capable of combining comfort, precision, and rapid responsiveness.
The main objectives include:
1. Continuous monitoring of vital parameters through a T-shirt equipped with integrated sensors capable of detecting heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and physical activity.
2. Automatic anomaly detection through artificial intelligence models that analyze data in real time and signal unusual behaviour or potentially critical situations.
3. Support for elderly users in daily life, promoting autonomy and safety without interfering with their routine.
4. Facilitation of caregivers’ work, who can consult indicators and parameters through an intuitive interface.
5. Integration with healthcare services, enabling interaction with existing systems already adopted by facilities or external operators.
Proposed Solution
The solution developed within the STEP project has been conceived as a complete ecosystem integrating both hardware and software components.
At the core of the project is the smart T-shirt, a wearable device that is comfortable, washable, and made with breathable materials designed for everyday use. Inside it, sensors collect physiological data accurately and consistently, then transmit this information securely to dedicated servers.
The software platform represents the analytical heart of the solution: it processes the incoming information, translates it into readable indicators, and provides notifications in the event of anomalies. A web and mobile interface allows caregivers and healthcare operators to view the user’s condition, consult historical data, and customize thresholds and preferences.
Artificial intelligence algorithms also make it possible to identify variations in vital parameters before they become critical, thus operating in a preventive perspective.
Infrastructure and Technological Components
The implementation of the STEP project includes a robust digital architecture based on secure servers and redundant systems to ensure operational continuity even under high load conditions or technical anomalies.
Data protection is central to the platform: all data flows are encrypted – both during transmission and storage – while dashboard access is safeguarded through multi-factor authentication.
The T-shirt is designed according to de-manufacturing principles: electronic components can be easily removed, replaced, and recycled, reducing the environmental impact of the product and promoting responsible lifecycle management.
Expected Impact
The STEP project aims to generate meaningful benefits both from a healthcare and social standpoint. Continuous monitoring of vital parameters enables more efficient management of chronic conditions, reducing the need for emergency interventions and improving the overall quality of life for elderly individuals, who can rely on constant yet non-invasive support.
For caregivers, STEP represents a valuable tool capable of reducing the physical and organizational burden of care. More broadly, the ability to integrate the solution into telemedicine programs enhances the sustainability and modernization of healthcare management, reducing travel and promoting a proactive, digital model of care.
DEVELOPED WITH THE SUPPORT OF