Semtech has partnered Belgian company Ontex to improve elder care with a smart diaper tag that uses LoRaWan connectivity to alert caregivers when pads need to be changed.

Ontex developed and owns the smart diaper concept, and worked with Belgian medical device agency Zenso Electronics to integrate California-based Semtech’s LoRa devices and the LoRaWan standard seamlessly to alert caregivers via an app when a pad needs to be changed.

The product uses a printed sensor, transmitter clipped onto the diaper and a mobile or web application, which can accurately determine the saturation level of the diaper. LoRaWan connectivity offers a small form factor design and low energy consumption, ideal for this type of product in a smart hospital or elder care facility.

“Improving the quality of life of patients was a key goal in developing the Orizon smart diaper tag and the reason why we choose to utilise LoRaWan,” said Annick De Poorter, executive vice president at Ontex. “Caregivers and patients need the flexibility to move around distances in which LoRaWan was able to securely provide coverage. As a result, the patient experience is immediately improved.”

According to Statista, the global smart hospital market in 2026 is expected to reach $84bn with outpatient vigilance playing a key role in this growth. As hospitals and elder care facilities face time and budget pressure to take care of residents, the value of low power wide area networks, such as a LoRaWan, is useful to identify any incidents that require follow-up action.

“The Orizon smart diaper tag is a strong example of how LoRaWan is making the world a better and smarter place to live through the improved patient experience,” said Marc Pégulu, vice president at Semtech. “Health and safety should never be overlooked and this joint solution highlights how the IoT is valuable for improving the future of smart hospitals.”

Ontex provides personal hygiene products, with expertise in baby care, feminine care and adult care. Its products are distributed in more than 110 countries through brands such as BBTips, BioBaby, Pompom, Bigfral, CanBebe, CanPed, iD and Serenity. Employing 10,000 people all over the world, Ontex has a presence in 21 countries, with its headquarters in Aalst, Belgium.