Making video communication mobile by using a small humanoid social assistive robot

There is a high need among older persons to maintain their social contacts and to stay involved in social life. In this area of social communication ICT and assistive technology can bring a significant support provided that the actual needs and preferences of the user groups are actually met. The paper describes an innovative solution consisting of a mobile video communication facility using a LED projector which is integrated in a social assistive robot system developed in the framework of the KSERA project

Making video communication mobile by using a small humanoid social assistive robot

There is a high need among older persons to maintain their social contacts and to stay involved in social life. In this area of social communication ICT and assistive technology can bring a significant support provided that the actual needs and preferences of the user groups are actually met. The paper describes an innovative solution consisting of a mobile video communication facility using a LED projector which is integrated in a social assistive robot system developed in the framework of the KSERA project

Wearable device to assist independent living.

Older people increasingly want to remain living independently in their own homes. The aim of the ENABLE project is to develop a wearable device that can be used both within and outside of the home to support older people in their daily lives and which can monitor their health status, detect potential problems, provide activity reminders and offer communication and alarm services. In order to determine the specifications and functionality required for development of the device user surveys and focus groups were undertaken and use case analysis and scenario modeling carried out. The project has resulted in the development of a wrist worn device and mobile phone combination that can support and assist older and vulnerable wearers with a range of activities and services both inside and outside of their homes. The device is currently undergoing pilot trials in five European countries. The aim of this paper is to describe the ENABLE device, its features and services, and the infrastructure within which it operates