A Raspberry Pi-powered safety system that monitors your well-being, checks in by voice, and escalates to emergency services — without subscriptions, cloud dependency, or stigma.
The Problem
Life Alert, Apple Watch, and similar devices have critical blind spots — especially for the populations who need safety tech the most.
Most emergency systems require you to press a button — which presumes you're conscious and physically capable at the exact moment of crisis.
Life Alert starts at $49.95/month. Apple Watch with cellular costs $400+. These price points exclude the elderly, disabled, and low-income populations most at risk.
Most wearable platforms stream biometric data to corporate servers. Users with limited internet — or privacy concerns — are simply excluded.
Traditional medical alert devices carry heavy stigma. Many vulnerable individuals refuse to wear them — undermining the very purpose they serve.
The Solution
A fully local, voice-driven safety loop that doesn't require you to do anything — until it needs you to respond.
A Bluetooth-connected wearable (smartwatch or heart rate sensor) streams live heart rate data to the Raspberry Pi hub in your home. No internet required — all processing is local.
When heart rate crosses a threshold (too high, too low, or sudden spike), the system activates a Text-to-Speech voice prompt: "Are you okay? Please respond."
A microphone listens for a spoken confirmation. If you respond, the system resets. If there's no response after two intervals, escalation begins.
The system contacts pre-designated emergency contacts or 911. A local-only testing mode prevents accidental calls during MVP development.
A Bluetooth-connected button — wearable as a bracelet, necklace, or pendant — allows silent distress signaling. Designed with domestic violence situations in mind: no sound, no obvious action required.
Built Different
Guardian Node was designed around the people it protects — not the technology it uses.
All biometric data is processed on-device. Nothing leaves your home. No accounts, no subscriptions needed for core safety function.
Privacy FirstUnlike Life Alert, Guardian Node doesn't wait for you to press a button. It monitors continuously and acts on your behalf if you can't.
Proactive SafetyNatural voice check-ins using Text-to-Speech and Speech-to-Text. No buttons, no apps, no screen — just a calm voice asking if you're okay.
Accessible UXA silent Bluetooth distress signal, designed to look like everyday jewelry. Developed specifically with domestic violence scenarios in mind.
DV SafetyBuilt on Raspberry Pi 4+ with modular HAT hardware. Add microphones, speakers, additional sensors as your needs evolve.
Open ArchitecturePrototype hardware costs $100–150. Target retail ~$199 with optional $9.99/month for enhanced analytics. No mandatory subscription.
Equity FocusedCompetitive Landscape
Guardian Node fills a gap no current consumer product occupies.
| Feature | Life Alert | Apple Watch + Siri | Guardian Node |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic (non-manual) detection | ✗ | ✓ Partial | ✓ Full |
| Heart rate monitoring | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Voice check-in / smart home | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works without internet | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Local-only data (no cloud) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Silent DV distress signal | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| No mandatory subscription | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Price | $49.95+/mo | $399+ device | ~$199 |
Development Roadmap
Guardian Node is built in phases — starting with a working prototype and expanding into behavioral intelligence and institutional partnerships.
Raspberry Pi hub, Bluetooth wearable, Python script, TTS/STT voice interaction, escalation logic.
In ProgressPassive listening for distress phrases (e.g. "help me") and silent DV wearable button integration.
Pattern recognition for routine deviations — sleep cycles, movement, grocery patterns — as early distress signals.
Mobile dashboard, optional cloud sync, expanded wearable compatibility and caregiver alerts.
VA hospitals, HUD housing, elder care facilities. Partnering with orgs that serve vulnerable populations at scale.
Technology should protect people — not just entertain them.
"The convergence of voice systems and biometric wearables can become a low-cost, high-impact safety net for vulnerable citizens."
— William Jenkins, Founder, MurjenCare Systems
Rooted in the Belmont Report's principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice. Privacy-compliant from the ground up.
Built for the populations most excluded by current technology — no smartphone required, no internet required.
All contributors compensated fairly. Product priced for accessibility, not maximum markup. Advisory equity available.
Supported by peer-reviewed research across sensor technology, health IoT, digital equity, and research ethics.
Guardian Node is in active development. Whether you're a potential user, researcher, advisor, or institutional partner — we want to hear from you.
Research collaboration • Advisory roles • Pilot programs