Accessibility, long overlooked by the world's largest hardware and software developers, is starting to find its groove in the world of technology. It's estimated that more than a quarter of American adults report that they have a disability. And in the UK, an ONS report last year found that more than 30% of all people surveyed find it difficult to access services. Regulations to force better accessibility for everyone are finally starting to catch up. But on the other hand, some visionary startups are now doubling down.
One such company is Showee, a Catalan startup building smart showers with accessibility in mind. A few weeks ago, the company's team won the Spanish Red Cross Humanitarian Technology Award and the top prize at his 4YFN 2024, a startup event at Mobile World Congress.
Showee showers are designed for people with disabilities who face challenges, both physical and intellectual. It has a height-adjustable structure and also includes a smart touch screen that guides users through each step from moistening to lathering to drying.
Here's a video showing how this works:
More than its hardware, Showee has won awards and received accolades for the social impact it seeks to create. By adapting to the user's level of autonomy, we give back a lot of privacy to the user without jeopardizing their safety. Showers can be relaxing instead of stressful. In their testimonials, one user described the experience as “liberating.” Other testimonies say Showee could help nursing assistants provide showers more frequently to patients who request them, in facilities that don't have enough staff or time to care for patients individually. I'm pointing it out.
But Showee's goal is not to replace custodians, whether they're family members or professionals, the company's CIO Alejandro Castro told TechCrunch on 4YFN. For example, a caretaker doesn't have to be present the whole time you're taking a shower; they can control the procedure through Showee's mobile girlfriend app and enter only when needed or notified.
CEO Eric Güell drew inspiration from his own family's needs — his mother had a chronic illness and his grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Castro explained. He launched his Showee in 2017 and soon the team received guidance and support from the Polytechnic University of Catalunya, also known as Barcelona Tech.
Market development plan
Given that focus, it's no surprise that Showee has been in development for several years. Bringing hardware innovations to market is notoriously difficult, especially in niche areas, but Showee has made a few calls to help it get there.
First, the company found a manufacturing partner who would provide research and development space and help build the prototype. The team then focused on selling to businesses such as hospitals and nursing homes. Eloy Mirambel, the company's chief technology officer, acknowledged that the price of smart showers needs to come down to have a real opportunity in B2C.
Currently, Showee showers are used in nursing homes, hospitals, and tutoring residential care centers for people with severe autism. The startup is also considering selling a slightly less customizable shower program to hotels so that one-time users can use it right away.
Aside from accessibility and inclusion, Showee has another selling point: water conservation. The company says its showers use 50% less water than regular showers. This is a strength given that the home region of Catalonia recently declared a state of drought emergency. There are also financial benefits, as this problem has forced many municipalities across Spain to increase water prices.
Castro said showers make up a large portion of a nursing home's water bill, so future savings could help amortize the cost of the purchase.
Priced around 5,000 euros (approximately $5,420), the Showee shower is sure to burn a hole in most homeowners' wallets, but this startup knows what it takes to make it more affordable. There is. For example, Mirambel explained that some hardware components could be replaced with cheaper parts as the company starts producing more units. Products could also be modular, with some features optional for users who don't need them.
Just as importantly, Showee offers buyers the option of paying a three-year monthly subscription instead of paying for the shower upfront. The company is aiming to raise more funding this year and is also in talks with distributors to sell the next version of Shower to a wider audience.
This new version will hit the market soon, as will the model Showee unveiled at MWC. In an FAQ, the company says that all shower units are sold out, but Showee will be available again starting April 2024. The more sales we get, the more likely it is that Showee will reach homes and benefit more people.