A new interactive projection system designed to stimulate cognitive function and social interaction is expanding its reach in Spain, offering free demonstrations at care facilities across the country. The technology, known as Tovertafel – Dutch for “magic table” – is gaining traction as a tool to improve quality of life for individuals with cognitive impairment.
Developed specifically for people experiencing cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, Tovertafel projects interactive games onto any surface, responding to hand and arm movements. This allows individuals with varying physical and cognitive abilities to participate, fostering motivation, engagement, and emotional well-being. The increasing prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease highlights the need for innovative approaches to care and stimulation.
“It’s not a screen. It’s interactive projection, which means we move from passive to active,” explains Chloé Duplay, Operations Manager at MJ Innov, the French company bringing Tovertafel to Spain. The system utilizes infrared sensors and specialized software to create a dynamic play experience.
The Tovertafel has already been implemented in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and is now being introduced to the Spanish market following a presentation at the VI National Congress on Dependency and Healthcare by Alimarket. The company aims to address the need for resources designed to prevent frustration and adapt to diverse capabilities within the care sector.
Beyond simple entertainment, Tovertafel is designed to generate calm, stimulation, and social connection. The system has been recognized for its innovation and design, recently receiving the prestigious Red Dot Design Award. It is currently used in over 10,000 healthcare and social care centers across 16 countries, according to Tover.
Benefits of the Tovertafel include improved social interaction, increased physical activity, strengthened relationships between caregivers and residents, and the potential to reduce agitation and preserve self-esteem. The technology is similarly being used to address apathy and stimulate cognitive activity in individuals with memory disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
MJ Innov is offering free demonstrations of the Tovertafel to care facilities throughout Spain, allowing staff and residents to experience the benefits firsthand.
