Montreal Startup Unveils Inflatable Pants to Prevent Hip Injuries

A Montreal-based startup, Azimut Medical, is pioneering inflatable fall-protection clothing aimed at reducing injuries among seniors. This innovative product combines airbag technology with pants to provide additional safety during falls, particularly focusing on protecting the hips from potential fractures.

The co-founder of Azimut Medical, Pierre Li, demonstrated the concept by simulating a fall, where a compact airbag inflated with a distinct popping sound. According to Maxime Bolduc, the company’s CEO and co-founder, the system activates quickly. “The device acts like an airbag and is completely inflated by the time you hit the ground,” he explains. “The goal here is to protect your hips, prevent hip fractures, and avoid pelvic injuries.”

Bolduc emphasized that while airbag technology is not new, their patented software sets them apart. It can differentiate between a genuine fall and less risky actions, such as someone sitting down on a couch. “The training material for our multilayer machine-learning algorithm derives real movements and falls from people, allowing us to train the algorithm effectively,” Bolduc added.

The inspiration behind this innovation stemmed from Bolduc’s concern for his grandparents. With a background in mechanical engineering and a master’s in innovation management, he aimed to create something more effective than traditional hip protectors, which typically consist of foam pads that fit into underwear.

Geriatrician Dr. Stéphane Lemire expressed enthusiasm for the inflatable hip protector, stating it is a significant improvement over past designs. He noted that enhanced protection during falls could lead to reduced hospitalization rates among seniors and could be “very useful in preventing hip fractures.”

Despite its promise, the inflatable pants come with a price tag. The commercial cost could reach $1,500 per pair for these made-in-Quebec safety garments. Bolduc highlighted their research indicates that this new design is 64 percent more effective than traditional hip protectors.

Clinical trials are scheduled to commence in January 2026, targeting clients in Quebec and Ontario who are eager to enhance their safety as they enter the new year. As the aging population continues to grow, innovations like those from Azimut Medical could play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for seniors, offering them added protection against falls and their associated risks.