Now, airbags to prevent the elderly from dangerous injuries from falling

London, September 25 : A Japanese company has created an airbag that can prevent injuries from falling among elderly people.

Tokyo-based firm Prop says that the novel airbag can inflate in 0.1 seconds if it starts moving quickly towards the ground.

Mitsuya Uchida, the company's president, has revealed that the device can be strapped around the body to protect the head and hips from injuries.

The cushions that suddenly inflate only work if the fall victim slides backwards, says that company.

Uchida says that the main purpose behind this invention was to aid old epileptic people who are particularly vulnerable to sudden falls, reports the Telegraph.

Weighing two-and-a-half pounds each, the cushions are activated by electric sensors that can feel a sudden movement.

Just as the sensors detect danger, 15 litres of compressed air are injected into the inflatable pads, puffing them up to protect the most vulnerable parts of the body.

However, the technology is currently quite expensive, with a price tag of 700 pounds.

ANI