How Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality Benefit the Elderly and Individuals with Disabilities

The growing and evolving use  of emerging technology including Artificial Intelligence (AI)  and Virtual Reality (VR),  has significantly impacted the lives of two specific groups—the elderly and the disabled.  This paper investigates potential reasons for this phenomenon.  Clearly, AI and VR Technology alters the everyday lives of people with disabilities and how they navigate the world.  Technological developments increasingly work to address the isolation that people with disabilities as well as the elderly experience for  they are often unable or limited in how they  engage with their communities.  This research paper outlines the way technology has improved  social communication, information distribution, and day-to-day living for those with disabilities and the elderly.Undoubtedly,  the internet has transformed social communication and interaction for most people.   socially isolated individuals with disabilities have gained exposure to social environments through social media.  Moreover, the broad range of information available on the internet  has increased access to resources such as government services, health services, and social services support. On a related point, assistive devices have enabled disabled people including many seniors to overcome motor, sensory, or cognitive difficulties that may have previously hindered them from performing daily tasks.  However, although AI and VR technology has been effectively integrated in the lives of those with disabilities, many such individuals lack access to commonplace technologies, like a personal computer.  This paper examines how  AI and VR technology has enhanced communication, information access, and everyday activities for the disabled and aging communities despite such socio-economic limitations

Social Robots in Hospitals: A Systematic Review

Hospital environments are facing new challenges this century. One of the most important is the quality of services to patients. Social robots are gaining prominence due to the advantages they offer; in particular, several of their main uses have proven beneficial during the pandemic. This study aims to shed light on the current status of the design of social robots and their interaction with patients. To this end, a systematic review was conducted using WoS and MEDLINE, and the results were exhaustive analyzed. The authors found that most of the initiatives and projects serve the el- derly and children, and specifically, that they helped these groups fight diseases such as dementia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cancer, and diabetes

Exploring Former & Modern Views: A Catch-All to Assistive Technology Applications

In life, everyone faces personalized conditions such as ageing, disease, and impairments in hearing, vision, or mobility. In addition, some individuals are born with disabilities that can limit their participation in various areas of life, including work, education, and daily activities. Assistive technology (AT) is a field that aims to provide tools and resources to facilitate the needs of individuals with disabilities or impairments. This article reviews the latest advances in AT, focusing on using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to provide innovative solutions. The article discusses the deployment of assistive devices in various areas, such as building access, information access, and work and education participation. The goal of this research is to highlight the potential of AT to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and to provide an overview of the current state of the field. The article also discusses the use of IoT-based solutions in assistive technology and identifies promising areas for future development and deployment. By providing a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in AT, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance functional capacities and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities

Requirements of a Supportive Environment for People on the Autism Spectrum: A Human-Centered Design Story

People on the autism spectrum have a different perception of the environment than neurotypical people and often require support in various activities of daily living. Assistive technology can support those affected, but very few smart-home-like technologies exist. To support people on the autism spectrum in their autonomy and safety and to help caregivers, a smart home and interior design environment was developed. Requirements were gathered by employing a holistic human-centered design approach through interactive workshops and questionnaires to create a useful and user-friendly solution. From this process, requirements for a comprehensive solution (the SENSHOME environment) emerged. These requirements include a set of functionalities tailored to the needs of people on the autism spectrum, such as a crowd warning that informs when many people are in a certain area (for example, the entrance), an automatic light regulation system, or a daily life planner that supports task completion. Furthermore, inclusive furniture elements such as a refuge seat or a table with dividers can support wellbeing, autonomy, and safety. This paper demonstrates a consequent and considerable participatory research approach and the story from the target group and context of use through design requirements to the initial design solution of the SENSHOME environment

Social Robots in Hospitals: A Systematic Review

Hospital environments are facing new challenges this century. One of the most important is the quality of services to patients. Social robots are gaining prominence due to the advantages they offer; in particular, several of their main uses have proven beneficial during the pandemic. This study aims to shed light on the current status of the design of social robots and their interaction with patients. To this end, a systematic review was conducted using WoS and MEDLINE, and the results were exhaustive analyzed. The authors found that most of the initiatives and projects serve the elderly and children, and specifically, that they helped these groups fight diseases such as dementia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cancer, and diabetes.This work has been supported by the PERGAMEX ACTIVE project, Ref. RTI2018-096986- B-C32, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation

Teacher Decision Making Processes And An Analysis Of The Avatalker Application When Used By Students With Autism

This study was an investigation into the elements that teachers of students with autism use to select apps and an analysis of the Avatalker app to increase verbalizations. Results showed teachers used technology with students with autism. Teachers were unsure of an app selection process, such as a rubric or committee. Results showed that teachers use the elements of ease of use for students, motivation, engagement, flexibility, and relevancy to student needs. The Avatalker app when used with students with autism to increase verbalizations results showed that peer interactions were limited. The study results can be utilized to help implement strategies for selecting apps. The use of a committee based team to review apps using selection criteria can lead to research based apps. The results also shed light on the continued need to find strategies to increase verbalizations, conversational methods, and peer interactions in students diagnosed with autism

Enhancing Employability for Autistic Graduates: Using TRIZ Theory to Design Virtual Reality Solutions for Fostering Inclusive Communications in Workplace Environments

The underemployment of post-secondary graduates with autism AP-PSD is a critical concern This issue often stems from difficulties in workplace integration and communication This research explores the potential of virtual reality VR systems to alleviate these challenges by simulating work environments The methodology rooted in the TRIZ Theory a problem-solving algorithm refines the use of VR systems for enhanced adaptability and efficiency The primary objectives include enhancing employers understanding of AP-PSD-related issues and identifying significant workplace challenges faced by AP-PSDs Through literature reviews surveys and focus groups the study investigates the factors impacting AP-PSDs and identifies key components to develop a more effective VR system to support their workplace integration The research also scrutinizes existing technological adaptations that could improve situation recognition communication and understanding in the workplace Additionally the potential role of human supervision in conjunction with VR technology support for AP-PSD employees is considered The results suggest that regardless of company size supporting AP-PSDs in the workplace is a feasible goal that can enhance their wellbeing Crucially the AP-PSD s active participation in their own integration process which encompasses training human support and environmental adaptations along with the specific involvement of the human resources manager has proven vital With the right accommodations AP-PSDs can demonstrate up to 30 greater productivity than neurotypical employees offsetting accommodation costs This research emphasizes the need to blend human-centered approaches with technological innovations to boost AP-PSDs employability Though industry-specific integration details are beyond the scope of this study the results underline the potential for tailored solutions aligned with each company s unique culture The paper presents a prototype for further co-design phase