scholarly journals Robotic-Based Well-Being Monitoring and Coaching System for the Elderly in Their Daily Activities

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (20) ◽  
pp. 6865
Author(s):  
Francisco M. Calatrava-Nicolás ◽  
Eduardo Gutiérrez-Maestro ◽  
Daniel Bautista-Salinas ◽  
Francisco J. Ortiz ◽  
Joaquín Roca González ◽  
...  

The increasingly ageing population and the tendency to live alone have led science and engineering researchers to search for health care solutions. In the COVID 19 pandemic, the elderly have been seriously affected in addition to suffering from isolation and its associated and psychological consequences. This paper provides an overview of the RobWell (Robotic-based Well-Being Monitoring and Coaching System for the Elderly in their Daily Activities) system. It is a system focused on the field of artificial intelligence for mood prediction and coaching. This paper presents a general overview of the initially proposed system as well as the preliminary results related to the home automation subsystem, autonomous robot navigation and mood estimation through machine learning prior to the final system integration, which will be discussed in future works. The main goal is to improve their mental well-being during their daily household activities. The system is composed of ambient intelligence with intelligent sensors, actuators and a robotic platform that interacts with the user. A test smart home system was set up in which the sensors, actuators and robotic platform were integrated and tested. For artificial intelligence applied to mood prediction, we used machine learning to classify several physiological signals into different moods. In robotics, it was concluded that the ROS autonomous navigation stack and its autodocking algorithm were not reliable enough for this task, while the robot’s autonomy was sufficient. Semantic navigation, artificial intelligence and computer vision alternatives are being sought.

Proceedings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Eduard Alexandru Stoica ◽  
Daria Maria Sitea

Nowadays society is profoundly changed by technology, velocity and productivity. While individuals are not yet prepared for holographic connection with banks or financial institutions, other innovative technologies have been adopted. Lately, a new world has been launched, personalized and adapted to reality. It has emerged and started to govern almost all daily activities due to the five key elements that are foundations of the technology: machine to machine (M2M), internet of things (IoT), big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Competitive innovations are now on the market, helping with the connection between investors and borrowers—notably crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending. Blockchain technology is now enjoying great popularity. Thus, a great part of the focus of this research paper is on Elrond. The outcomes highlight the relevance of technology in digital finance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 228-232
Author(s):  
Adamantios Koumpis ◽  
Thomas Gees

AbstractIn this article, we present our experiences from research into the healthy ageing and well-being of older people and we report on our personal opinions of robots that may help the elderly to have sex and to cope with isolation and loneliness. However, and while there is a growing industry for sex robots and other sex toys and gadgets, there is also a growing concern about the ethics of such an industry. As is the case with pornography, the concept of sex robots may be criticized, yet it has deep roots in human civilization, with erotic depictions that date back to the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Ages. So the need for an artefact that would offer sexually relevant functionality is not new at all. But what might be new and worrying is the potential for using artificial intelligence in sex robots in ways that might cause a repositioning of our entire value system. Such a threat is not related to the proliferation of sex robots per se but to the use of robots in general and in a variety of other fields of application.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Eric T. Taylor ◽  
Graham Taylor

Artificial intelligence powered by deep neural networks has reached a levelof complexity where it can be difficult or impossible to express how a modelmakes its decisions. This black-box problem is especially concerning when themodel makes decisions with consequences for human well-being. In response,an emerging field called explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) aims to increasethe interpretability, fairness, and transparency of machine learning. In thispaper, we describe how cognitive psychologists can make contributions to XAI.The human mind is also a black box, and cognitive psychologists have overone hundred and fifty years of experience modeling it through experimentation.We ought to translate the methods and rigour of cognitive psychology to thestudy of artificial black boxes in the service of explainability. We provide areview of XAI for psychologists, arguing that current methods possess a blindspot that can be complemented by the experimental cognitive tradition. Wealso provide a framework for research in XAI, highlight exemplary cases ofexperimentation within XAI inspired by psychological science, and provide atutorial on experimenting with machines. We end by noting the advantages ofan experimental approach and invite other psychologists to conduct research inthis exciting new field.


2021 ◽  
Vol 124 ◽  
pp. 03006
Author(s):  
Abdul Mutalib Embong ◽  
Norzamziah Afzainizam ◽  
Mariati Norhashim ◽  
Amirsaman Ahmadi

Population ageing; where there is growth in the percentage of older persons in the population; is becoming a worldwide phenomenon due to better healthcare and lower birth rates. The phenomenon of population ageing brings with it both challenges and opportunities. The challenges of an ageing population include social, health and economic support of the elderly. Malaysia is recognizing the need to address this issue of financially supporting an ageing population. The purpose of the paper was to investigate the impact of business on the financial well-being (FWB) of the ageing, specifically the government retirees. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among retirees who were in business throughout Malaysia that employed a cross sectional design. Forty-one respondents were successfully interviewed. Statistical procedures for the analyses included descriptive analysis and a profile analysis using scatterplot on the perceived business performance vs financial well-being. The survey revealed that the majority of the respondents operated business in the services, trade or retail industries which were set up and fully owned by themselves. Resource wise, the majority had very low financial capital, human capital and social capital. The study provides some empirical evidence that the retirees in business may be categorized into opportunity driven and necessity driven groups. The paper concludes that there is a need to find alternative income generation methods for the necessity driven group. Making paid work accessible to the elderly must be urgently put on the national agenda.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Marques ◽  
Jacqueline McIntosh ◽  
Alvin Valera ◽  
Anuroop Gaddam

The use of technology for social connectivity and achieving engagement goals is increasingly essential to the overall well-being of our rapidly ageing population. While much of the extant literature has focused on home automation and indoor remote health monitoring; there is a growing literature that finds personal health and overall well-being improves when physical activities are conducted outdoors. This study presents a review of possible innovative and assistive eHealth technologies suitable for smart therapeutic and rehabilitation outdoor spaces for older persons. The article also presents key performance metrics required of eHealth technologies to ensure robust, timely and reliable biometric data transfer between patients in a therapeutic landscape environment and respective medical centres. A literature review of relevant publications with a primary focus of integrating sensors and eHealth technologies in outdoor spaces to collect and transfer data from the elderly demographic who engage such built landscapes to appropriate stakeholders was conducted. A content analysis was carried out to synthesize outcomes of the literature review. The study finds that research in assistive eHealth technologies and interfaces for outdoor therapeutic spaces is in its nascent stages and has limited generalisability. The level of technology uptake and readiness for smart outdoor spaces is still developing and is currently being outpaced by the growth of elderly fitness zones in public spaces. Further research is needed to explore those eHealth technologies with interactive feedback mechanisms that are suitable for outdoor therapeutic environments.


2002 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Azuaje

Research on biological data integration has traditionally focused on the development of systems for the maintenance and interconnection of databases. In the next few years, public and private biotechnology organisations will expand their actions to promote the creation of a post-genome semantic web. It has commonly been accepted that artificial intelligence and data mining techniques may support the interpretation of huge amounts of integrated data. But at the same time, these research disciplines are contributing to the creation of content markup languages and sophisticated programs able to exploit the constraints and preferences of user domains. This paper discusses a number of issues on intelligent systems for the integration of bioinformatic resources.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Redmayne ◽  
Olle Johansson

AbstractOur environment is now permeated by anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation, and individuals of all ages are exposed for most of each 24 h period from transmitting devices. Despite claims that children are more likely to be vulnerable than healthy adults to unwanted effects of this exposure, there has been no recent examination of this, nor of comparative risk to the elderly or ill. We sought to clarify whether research supports the claim of increased risk in specific age-groups. First, we identified the literature which has explored age-specific pathophysiological impacts of RF-EMR. Natural life-span changes relevant to these different impacts provides context for our review of the selected literature, followed by discussion of health and well-being implications. We conclude that age-dependent RF-EMR study results, when considered in the context of developmental stage, indicate increased specific vulnerabilities in the young (fetus to adolescent), the elderly, and those with cancer. There appears to be at least one mechanism other than the known thermal mechanism causing different responses to RF-EMR depending upon the exposure parameters, the cell/physiological process involved, and according to age and health status. As well as personal health and quality-of-life impacts, an ageing population means there are economic implications for public health and policy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Andrew Sawers

<p>New Zealand, like much of the developed world, has an ageing population. This fact is accompanied by evidence which shows that people’s life spans are also increasing (WHO 6). As the population continues to age, housing facilities for older New Zealanders are going to become more visible and more important. With huge growth looming for this housing sector questions are surfacing over the capacity for existing elderly housing typologies to allow residents to age positively. Positive ageing is judged by the state of someone’s physical, social and mental well-being (WHO 12). The field of architecture has an opportunity to play an active role in transforming the typology of elderly housing facilities, to make a new living environment that feels like an enjoyable place to be housed during a person’s later years.  This thesis develops a position on the current state of living options for the elderly and the effect they have on the well-being of residents. The findings and insights drawn from literature and case study analysis help to determine a suitable direction for the future design of elderly housing typologies. This is tested through a design-based project. The outcome of this research finds that elderly housing typologies require a change in theme from segregation to integration. In response, the design project proposes a multigenerational housing environment in close proximity to a high number of leisure, health, educational, cultural and voluntary amenities to ensure elderly people can remain independent longer and continue to be active citizens within the community. The project supports strong links with the community through the use of a semi-public external courtyard space which provides significant interface between the elderly and members of the wider community, making it an effective mechanism for integration. The design of interior living environments aims to provide more flexibility to the living unit over time and enhance opportunities for casual social interaction to take place. Overall the research suggests that a living environment for elderly people which is well integrated into the community and provides opportunities for casual social interaction will help reduce problems associated with ageing and ultimately contribute to the elderly living a better quality of life.</p>


Author(s):  
Paula C. Arias

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are a result not only of technological advances but also of the exploitation of information or data, which has led to its expansion into almost all aspects of modern life, including law and its practice. Due to the benefits of these technologies, such as efficiency, objectivity, and transparency, the trend is towards the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the judicial system. Integration that is advocated at all levels and, today, has been achieved mostly under the implementation of tools to assist the exercise of the judiciary. The "success" of this integration has led to the creation of an automated court or an artificially intelligent judge as a futuristic proposal.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Marques ◽  
Jacqueline McIntosh ◽  
Alvin Valera ◽  
Anuroop Gaddam

The use of technology for social connectivity and achieving engagement goals is increasingly essential to the overall well-being of our rapidly ageing population. While much of the extant literature has focused on home automation and indoor remote health monitoring; there is a growing literature that finds personal health and overall well-being improves when physical activities are conducted outdoors. This study presents a review of possible innovative and assistive eHealth technologies suitable for smart therapeutic and rehabilitation outdoor spaces for older persons. The article also presents key performance metrics required of eHealth technologies to ensure robust, timely and reliable biometric data transfer between patients in a therapeutic landscape environment and respective medical centres. A literature review of relevant publications with a primary focus of integrating sensors and eHealth technologies in outdoor spaces to collect and transfer data from the elderly demographic who engage such built landscapes to appropriate stakeholders was conducted. A content analysis was carried out to synthesize outcomes of the literature review. The study finds that research in assistive eHealth technologies and interfaces for outdoor therapeutic spaces is in its nascent stages and has limited generalisability. The level of technology uptake and readiness for smart outdoor spaces is still developing and is currently being outpaced by the growth of elderly fitness zones in public spaces. Further research is needed to explore those eHealth technologies with interactive feedback mechanisms that are suitable for outdoor therapeutic environments.


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