Student Creates Smart Clock to Help Grandfather

By Jessica Ross

ABC Sunshine Coast

Topic: Inventions

Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 7:51 am

Kai Gould made a device to help his grandfather, Brett.

In short:

Kai Gould created a smart clock to help elderly people and their families.

The idea came after his grandfather had a fall at his farm.

What's next?

The device is being bought quickly, with Mr. Gould getting requests from individuals, hospitals, and retirement villages.

It took almost two days for Kai Gould's grandfather to be found after he had a serious fall at his farm.

Kai Gould and his family felt very guilty.

Kai Gould said, 'We thought we should have called him. Why did we not think to call him?'

Kai Gould said, 'When we tried to call him, he did not like it. He likes to be alone on the farm.'

Kai Gould has been making things since he was four.

Kai Gould, an electrical engineering student, made something to help his grandfather be independent.

Kai Gould said, 'We bought him a necklace and a watch, but he did not like them.'

Kai Gould is studying electrical engineering.

Project is going well

Mr. Gould made a smart clock that connects older people with their families.

They can set reminders for specific times, and the clock beeps until a button is pressed.

An automatic text message is then sent to a nominated phone number.

MedClock shows what medicine to take and sends a text message when taken.

Kai Gould said, 'MedClock is like an alarm clock that you put on your bench, and you will hear it.'

Kai Gould's father said the device gives them peace of mind and helps their relationship with the grandfather.

Kai Gould's father said, 'Our phone calls with him are now more social and easier.'

Kai Gould and his father are making the clocks in their garage.

Clock is popular

Kai Gould made a few clocks to see if they could help other families.

He asked for feedback on social media and got a big response.

Kai Gould said, 'I got over 8,000 likes and many comments.'

Some hospitals are interested, and it is in seven pharmacies now.

Kai Gould got help from his father to make the clocks because many people want them.

A retirement village bought 11 clocks to try with their residents.

Investors want to help, but Kai Gould wants to keep the price low.

Kai Gould said, 'Investors want to raise the price, but I want to keep it affordable.'

Kai Gould's father is very proud of him.

Changing times

Many older Australians are stuck in hospital beds waiting for aged care.

It did not take long for 80-year-old Gwen to lose her ability to walk.

Geoff Rowe said people need more support to live in their own homes longer, and technology can help.

Geoff Rowe said, 'Older people do not want to go into residential aged care.'

Geoff Rowe said, 'People want to stay in their communities and be independent.'

Geoff Rowe said, 'Some devices like smart watches need to be worn, but the smart clock is useful.'

Geoff Rowe said the smart clock is helpful for some older people.

Geoff Rowe likes Kai Gould's invention.

Geoff Rowe said, 'It is good to see young people helping their older family members.'

Geoff Rowe said, 'Young people look at problems differently and can find new solutions.'

ABC Sunshine Coast news

Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 7:51 am

Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 8:37 am

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