Grandad at home and his grandson on holiday

15/07/2026

4 min.

RomeCup 2026, the NonniBot challenge for the safety of the elderly

With summer comes the holidays, people setting off, and homes emptying out. But not for everyone. Whilst children and grandchildren head off, many older people remain in the city, often alone, more vulnerable to minor domestic accidents, falls, moments of disorientation or simply that prolonged silence which feels as heavy as an emergency. It is in this fragile space of everyday life that technology can become truly useful: not as a substitute for human connection, but as an intelligent, discreet and reassuring presence.

The NonniBOT category of the RomeCup 2026 stems precisely from this idea of people-centred innovation. The four finalist projects, developed in collaboration between schools and universities, demonstrate how robotics, sensor technology and artificial intelligence can offer concrete solutions to the needs of older people: from home safety to fall detection, from combating isolation to supporting mobility and upholding personal dignity. What emerges is a noble vision of technology, capable of enhancing independence, protection and quality of life.

The four competing projects

WordShield: the sentinel of kindness (First Prize)
Developed by the comprehensive school Antonio Giordano in Venafro (Isernia) in collaboration with theFederico II University of Naples, the project won first place thanks to an innovative smart bracelet designed to combat verbal abuse.

Humanistic origins: the idea arose from a workshop on ‘Respect Day’, inspired by readings from works by Michela Murgia and Dostoevsky to reflect on the power of words.
Edge AI technology: the device uses an Arduino Nicla Voice board with a Syntiant NDP120 neural processor to analyse audio in real time directly on the device, without sending data to the cloud.
How it works: using machine learning algorithms, the bracelet detects aggressive tones or offensive words and sends an alert to family members or carers, acting as a proximity tool to identify situations of distress or abuse.

DocBot: an integrated ecosystem for safety
The project by the STEM science-focused secondary school Virginia Centurione Bracelli in Rome, in collaboration with theUniversity of Chieti-Pescara, aims to drastically reduce response times in emergencies involving elderly people living alone.

Components: the system comprises two elements: the DocWatch, a wearable bracelet for the constant monitoring of heart rate, oxygen levels and falls, and the DocMachine, an autonomous care robot.Automatic intervention: should the wristband detect an anomaly, the robot locates the user via a Bluetooth (BLE) signal, navigates to them whilst avoiding obstacles, and sends instant images and alerts to family members via the Telegram platform.

HoloCall: technology to combat isolation
Developed by the Tommaso Salvini Institute in Rome in collaboration with the Campus Bio-Medico University, HoloCall focuses on fall prevention and safeguarding family relationships.

Mobile device: a wearable pendant fitted with an MPU6500 motion sensor that automatically detects accidental falls.
3D communication: when the alarm is triggered, the system initiates a video call via a fixed device, enabling three-dimensional interaction between the elderly person and their loved ones, making communication more natural and intuitive for those who struggle with smartphones.

Orienta: sensory substitution system
The Ettore Majorana High School in Pozzuoli, supported by the Federico II University of Naples, has developed a wearable device designed to improve the mobility of blind or visually impaired people.

Evolutionary design: the team moved from a sensory belt to two discreet ankle straps, which integrate environmental scanning into the natural movement of walking.
Haptic feedback: each ankle strap is fitted with four Time-of-Flight (TOF400F) laser sensors that map obstacles within 600 mm, translating the distance into intuitive vibrations: the direction of the vibration corresponds to that of the obstacle.
Accuracy: the system uses ESP32-S3 microcontrollers and real-time monitoring software via Wi-Fi to ensure maximum accuracy and zero latency in detection.

These projects embody a vision of augmented intelligence, where robotics does not replace human relationships but enhances them, providing scalable, low-cost tools for protection and independence.

BOX: The voices of NonniBOT’s young innovators

On safety and response times: ‘Nowadays, the elderly population is growing and there are many older people living alone [...]. When an elderly person lives alone, response times in the event of an anomaly, a sudden illness or a fall can be too long. It was in response to this need that DocBot was created [...] to constantly monitor vital signs and intervene automatically, thereby reducing response times’ (Alessandro Falco, Liceo Bracelli).
On the humanistic origins of technology: ‘ The idea [behind WordShield] arose from a workshop during Respect Day, where we focused on reading texts such as ‘Stai zitta’ by Michela Murgia and ‘The Idiot’ by Dostoevsky, which inspired us to consider the violent words that the bracelet would subsequently detect [...] it acts as a guardian of kindness ’ (Francesca Faccenda, IO Giordano di Venafro).
On independence and freedom of movement: ‘Orienta is designed for blind or visually impaired people; we wanted to improve these people’s quality of life by boosting their self-esteem and also their freedom.
We came up with the idea of an ankle bracelet: as the wearer approaches an obstacle, the vibrators will vibrate, alerting them to the presence of an obstacle and helping them avoid tripping” (Anna Stante, Liceo Majorana, Pozzuoli).
On overcoming digital barriers: “Very often, older people live alone and are not always able to contact their children or grandchildren [...] they find it difficult to use a smartphone. HoloCall is a simple device that allows them to contact family members with a single touch; an automatic system that detects falls and initiates a three-dimensional video call” (Lorenzo Cardone, IIS Salvini).
On the RomeCup experience: “Taking part was a highly educational experience, characterised by learning, collaboration and engagement with centres of excellence” (Team WordShield).

Grandad at home and his grandson on holiday