Alle Publikationen
2019
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(2019): Voices in and of the machine: Source orientation toward mobile virtual assistants. In: Computers in Human Behavior 90, S. 343-350. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.009 Abstract: Research regarding source orientation has demonstrated that when interacting with computers, people direct their communication toward and react toward the technology itself. Users perceive technology to be a source in human-machine communication (HMC). This study provides a new dimension to those findings with regard to source orientation with voice-based, mobile virtual assistants enabled by artificial intelligence (AI). In qualitative interviews regarding their conceptualizations of mobile conversational agents (Apple's Siri, Google Voice, Samsung S-Voice) and their perceptions of interactions with these specific technologies, some participants describe the agent they can hear but not see as a voice in the mobile phone (assistant as distinct entity) while others perceive the technology that they command to be the voice of the phone (assistant as the device). Therefore, congruent with existing research, users of mobile assistants orient toward a technology, instead of thinking they are interacting with a human, but, in contrast to existing research, attend to different technologies. When technologies possess a disembodied voice and are designed with various social cues and degrees of intelligence, the locus and nature of the digital interlocutor is not uniform in people's minds. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
2018
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(2018) : Perceived user experience and performance of intelligent personal assistants employed in higher education settings: 2018 41st International Convention on Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Microelectronics (MIPRO): May 21-25, 2018, Opatija, Croatia : proceedings: 2018 41st International Convention on Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Microelectronics (MIPRO): Opatija: 5/21/2018 - 5/25/2018. International Convention on Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Microelectronics; Hrvatsko Udruga za Informacijsku i Komunikacijsku Tehnologiju, Elektroniku i Mikroelektroniku; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; Međunarodni skup za informacijsku i komunikacijsku tehnologiju, elektroniku i mikroelektroniku; Croatian Society for Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Microelectronics Convention; MIPRO Convenion; Mipro: Piscataway, NJ: IEEE, S. 0830-0834
Abstract: The application of intelligent personal assistants (IPAs) in the educational context is a relatively new paradigm. One of the key features of an intelligent personal assistant is the ability to respond to user voice input through natural language processing. Implementation of intelligent personal assistants (IPAs) in higher education teaching process is associated with the students' adoption and satisfaction with IPAs. With the objective to explore students' experience and performance evaluation of IPAs on their smartphones, an empirical study was carried out. Data was gathered by means of post-use questionnaire after completed predefined scenario of interaction with two IPAs: Google Assistant and Lyra. The analysis of collected data uncovered pros and cons of IPAs perceived by students from two Croatian higher education institutions. Empirical findings are presented, whereas implications for educational ecosystem are briefly discussed.
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(2018): Emotionale Roboter im Pflegekontext : Empirische Analyse des bisherigen Einsatzes und der Wirkungen von Paro und Pleo. In: Zeitschrift fur Gerontologie und Geriatrie 51 (1), S. 16-24. DOI: 10.1007/s00391-017-1346-8
DOI: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29218400 Abstract: BACKGROUND It has been questioned by researchers in robotics as well in the general public to what extent companion-type robots can support the elderly with the fulfillment of their psychological and social needs. Although these robots have already been used in care settings in Germany, research has referred little to this practical experience in order to analyze their impact and benefit. To start to close this gap, the current article reports on the current use of companion-type robots in care settings, on the effects reported by professional caregivers as well as on the role of psychosocial needs in the acceptance and use of companion-type robots by the elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the first study, 30 professional caregivers with experience in the use of the robot seal Paro in care settings were interviewed regarding Paro's application and the observed effects on their clients. In the second study, three case examples are presented from an interaction study in which vulnerable elderly persons had the robot dinosaur Pleo at their disposal for a maximum period of 15 days. RESULTS Paro is used very flexibly in a variety of settings and with a broad range of user groups (study 1). The reported psychosocial effects were mainly positive but short term. The case examples (study 2) show that psychosocial needs can both foster or hinder robot acceptance and use. They also emphasize the important role of caregivers in the interaction between the elderly and emotional robots in the context of eldercare. CONCLUSION The beneficial and ethical use of companion-type robots in care settings demands a high commitment on the part of the caregivers. Given this prerequisite, emotional robots can be a valuable therapeutic tool.
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(2018): Helping older pedestrians navigate unknown environments through vibrotactile guidance instructions. In: Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour 58, S. 816-830. DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2018.07.017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2018.07.017 Abstract: Many studies have consistently found evidence of aging-related navigation difficulties that lead to disorientation behaviors and/or reduced travel. Despite technological advances, older pedestrians mainly use paper maps to find their way in unknown environments while they have a lot of difficulties in using and interacting with them efficiently. In this context, the present study was aimed at assessing the effectiveness and acceptability and study older pedestrian’s behavior when wearing a vibrotactile instructions to help them finding their way in an unknown city as compared with visual instructions provided by a paper map. Fifty-eight participants (20 young adults ages 21–45, 20 younger-old adults ages 61–70, and 18 older-old adults ages 71–80) took part in a simulated navigation task where participants had to go from point A to point B in a virtual city. The task was performed either with a vibrotactile wristband delivering directional messages or with a standard paper map showing the visual instructions to follow. The data showed that vibrotactile guidance instructions improved the correct numbers of turns taken (left/right) at simple intersections. They also reduced travel time as compared with visual guidance instructions provided by a paper map. These benefits were greater among the older-old participants, who had trouble using the paper map and thus benefited greatly from the assistance provided by the vibrotactile guidance instructions. These findings suggest that such an assistance device using simple haptic guidance messages is able to improve older pedestrians’ mobility. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2018): Cognitive assistants. In: International Journal of Human-Computer Studies 117, S. 1-3. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2018.05.008
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2018.05.008 Abstract: The article presents the most recent advances in the field of cognitive assistants (CA). These days CA technology is being extended to what is sometimes called 'smart advisors', which provide a universal human-centric computer information solution. Smart advisors combine generic decision support techniques with context-awareness and personalized recommendation using machine learning. They aim to help people in their daily activities in a general sense. Today, a number of prototypes of such systems exist. Some of them are well integrated into online services, as well as mobile devices. Others are embedded into dedicated robot prototypes, often oriented on care taking. Recently a more general concept of companion technologies has been introduced. The articles contained in this special issue are very heterogeneous in terms of scope, region and are by people that are a reference in this field. Five articles compose this Special Issue, and they are distributed globally, with contributions from the following countries: Germany, New Zealand, Spain, Taiwan, and United States of America. This shows the interest of academia in the CA area and the level of development that is currently underway, and provide different perspectives related to their own culture. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2018): Disease management apps and technical assistance systems for bipolar disorder: Investigating the patients´ point of view. In: Journal of affective disorders 229, S. 351-357. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.12.059
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.12.059 Abstract: BACKGROUND Smartphone-based disease management has become increasingly interesting for research in the field of bipolar disorders. This article investigates the attitudes of persons affected by this disorder towards the appropriation of mobile apps or assistance systems for the management of their disease. METHODS We conducted two separate studies. Study 1 was an online survey with 88 participants. In study 2 we consulted 15 participants during a semi-structured interview. All the participants had formerly been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. RESULTS More than half of the participants of study 1 and most participants of study 2 agreed with the use of an app or assistance system for self-ratings, third party ratings and an objective symptom monitoring. Potential interventions that were popular in both groups included a regular feedback, the visualization of monitored data and advice in crises. LIMITATIONS With study 1 we were not able to ensure correct diagnoses or to interact in a flexible way. In Study 2 those issues were resolved, but the small number of participants raises the question of a possible generalisability of the results. Furthermore, for both studies a selection bias could not be excluded. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate positive attitudes of bipolar patients towards disease management apps and assistance systems. Even new and innovative features such as partner apps or the analysis of facial expressions in video data were appreciated and daily interactions were favoured. However, the variety of answers calls for flexible systems which allow activating or deactivating certain features.
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(2018) : Knowledge to design an assistant robotics system for aged people: Proceedings 2018 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology (ICIT): Lyon Congress Center, Lyon, France, 19 - 22 February, 2018: 2018 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology (ICIT): Lyon: 2/20/2018 - 2/22/2018. IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; IEEE Industrial Electronics Society; Icit: Piscataway, NJ: IEEE, S. 1985-1990
Abstract: In this paper, authors based on data of questionnaire to discuss, according to discussion results to suggest appearance/function to robotics and its support system for aged people. This research uses people's familiar view, and targets to make robotics help/assist people rather than let people feel disturb. The basic data for our research is collected by questionnaire. The questionnaire is constructed by several items that include people's background data and the trend of using electronic equipment. These items help construct different clusters and the robot's image that aged people imaged. In this paper, people's different needs and situations are discussed. Data analysis and data mining are applied. From the research results, aged people's opinions, their ideal robot/robotics' image become clear, furthermore, the possibility appearance/function of robot/robotics and its support system are given sharp. This paper is a self-criticism research to developed robot and robotic system, hoping find a new way on this researching area and developing a better assistant robot for aged people.
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(2018) : Nonverbal Human-Robot Communication for Ambient Assisted Living Applications Based on Ethologically Inspired Social Behavior Model: IECON 2018 - 44th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society: Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington D.C., United States of America, 20 - 23 October, 2018: IECON 2018 - 44th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society: D.C., DC, USA: 10/21/2018 - 10/23/2018. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society; Iecon: Piscataway, NJ: IEEE, S. 6045-6050
Abstract: In recent years, ambient assisted living (AAL) has studied and a demand for services that monitors living environments to reduce the burden of nursing care has increased. Therefore, we propose an approach of nonverbal human-robot communication for AAL applications based on an attachment behavior model for a mobile robot. This can sense the situation within the environment in real time with less burden on the user. We use an etho-robot as the user interface of an AAL system for useful monitoring services. The etho-robot mimics dogs' attachment behaviors and can provide less stressful communication between humans and robots. In addition, we design behavior for providing notification about a person's status for the etho-robot. The integration of a mobile robot as a user interface of the AAL system will make the communication spatially flexible. We conducted an experiment to evaluate whether humans can correctly recognize the attachment behavior of the etho-robot when the robot performs its notification function. We discuss the usefulness of mimicking a dog's attachment behavior when the robot has such a function.
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IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; IEEE Industrial Electronics Society; Icit (2018): Proceedings 2018 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology (ICIT). Lyon Congress Center, Lyon, France, 19 - 22 February, 2018. 2018 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology (ICIT). Lyon, 2/20/2018 - 2/22/2018. Piscataway, NJ: IEEE
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Ieee Isr; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; IEEE Robotics and Automation Society; International Conference on Intelligence and Safety for Robotics; Isr (2018): IEEE - ISR 2018. August 24-27, 2018, Shenyang, China : the 2018 International Conference on Intelligence and Safety for Robotics. 2018 IEEE International Conference on Intelligence and Safety for Robotics (ISR). Shenyang, 8/24/2018 - 8/27/2018. Piscataway, NJ: IEEE
Abstract: To tackle behavioral assistance for elderly care and disabled care in daily life, our laboratory rollout five welfare robots: walking support robot, walking rehabilitation robot, intelligent wheelchair robot, excretory support robot and handling robot. By integrating the multi-robots architecture and distributed sensor network, we proposes smart house which can be used for research in security assistance. Furthermore, aiming to implement the procedural assistance of rising and standing, transfer framework based on multi-robots architecture have been proposed. It aims to reduce the torso impact force and stabilize centre of gravity, establishing the rising transfer planning and standing transfer planning, combining with fall detection and rescue, which contributes to achieve secure and comfortable behavioral assistance in top-down way. Finally, we conducted experiments in our MWRA smart house to rising transfer, standing transfer, behavior assistance, fall detection and rescue. The experiments show MWRA have the auxiliary capabilities for ADLs(basic activities of daily living) and IADLs (instrumental activities of daily living), even EADLs(enhanced activities of daily living) in safety and comfortable way, which can be used in home, hospitals, rehabilitation center and other scenes for elderly care and disabled care.
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Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society; Iecon (2018): IECON 2018 - 44th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society. Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington D.C., United States of America, 20 - 23 October, 2018. IECON 2018 - 44th Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society. D.C., DC, USA, 10/21/2018 - 10/23/2018. Piscataway, NJ: IEEE
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International Conference on Service Systems and Service Management; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; Icsssm (2018): 2018 15th International Conference on Service Systems and Service Management (ICSSSM). Location: Hangzhou, China, meeting date: July 21-22, 2018. 2018 15th International Conference on Service Systems and Service Management (ICSSSM). Hangzhou, 7/21/2018 - 7/22/2018. Piscataway, NJ: IEEE
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International Convention on Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Microelectronics; Hrvatsko Udruga za Informacijsku i Komunikacijsku Tehnologiju, Elektroniku i Mikroelektroniku; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; Međunarodni skup za informacijsku i komunikacijsku tehnologiju, elektroniku i mikroelektroniku; Croatian Society for Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Microelectronics Convention; MIPRO Convenion; Mipro (2018): 2018 41st International Convention on Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Microelectronics (MIPRO). May 21-25, 2018, Opatija, Croatia : proceedings. 2018 41st International Convention on Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Microelectronics (MIPRO). Opatija, 5/21/2018 - 5/25/2018. Piscataway, NJ: IEEE
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(2018) : Achieving Successful Aging in Assisted Living Facilities Through Person-Centered Services: 2018 15th International Conference on Service Systems and Service Management (ICSSSM): Location: Hangzhou, China, meeting date: July 21-22, 2018: 2018 15th International Conference on Service Systems and Service Management (ICSSSM): Hangzhou: 7/21/2018 - 7/22/2018. International Conference on Service Systems and Service Management; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; Icsssm: Piscataway, NJ: IEEE, S. 1-5
Abstract: The population of the older adult in China has been continuously increasing at a high speed. It is estimated that in 2020, the population of people above 60 years old will account for 17.8 % of the total population of China in 2020, and 25% in 2030. Because of business opportunities brought by such increase, aging community, an important component of the aging services industry, has developed unprecedentedly these years. According to “Healthy China 2030 Plan” issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State Council of China, a sound aging service system which benefits all the elderly people will be built in China in 2030. Thus, how to provide sound services in assisted living facilities to promote successful aging is an important social topic needing to be taken efforts on. This paper will discuss how to provide the aging people person-centered services, which means meeting their true needs. By constructing a theoretical model and investigating prior helpful experience, the paper proposes several practical suggestions for assisted living facilities on how to develop in China and how to achieve successful aging from the life-span perspective.
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(2018): A Novel Artificial Organic Control System for Mobile Robot Navigation in Assisted Living Using Vision- and Neural-Based Strategies. In: Computational intelligence and neuroscience. DOI: 10.1155/2018/4189150
DOI: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30627141 Abstract: Robots in assisted living (RAL) are an alternative to support families and professional caregivers with a wide range of possibilities to take care of elderly people. Navigation of mobile robots is a challenging problem due to the uncertainty and dynamics of environments found in the context of places for elderly. To accomplish this goal, the navigation system tries to replicate such a complicated process inspired on the perception and judgment of human beings. In this work, we propose a novel nature-inspired control system for mobile RAL navigation using an artificial organic controller enhanced with vision-based strategies such as Hermite optical flow (OF) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Particularly, the Hermite OF is employed for obstacle motion detection while CNNs are occupied for obstacle distance estimation. We train the CNN using OF visual features guided by ultrasonic sensor-based measures in a 3D scenario. Our application is oriented to avoid mobile and fixed obstacles using a monocular camera in a simulated environment. For the experiments, we use the robot simulator V-REP, which is an integrated development environment into a distributed control architecture. Security and smoothness metrics as well as quantitative evaluation are computed and analyzed. Results showed that the proposed method works successfully in simulation conditions.
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(2018): Hidden Work and the Challenges of Scalability and Sustainability in Ambulatory Assisted Living. In: ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction 25 (2), S. 1-26. DOI: 10.1145/3185591
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3185591 Abstract: Assisted living technologies may help people live independently while also—potentially—reducing health and care costs. But they are notoriously difficult to implement at scale and many devices are abandoned following initial adoption. We report findings from a study of global positioning system (GPS) tracking devices intended to support the independent living of people with cognitive impairment. Our aims were threefold: to understand (through ethnography) such individuals’ lived experience of GPS tracking; to facilitate (through action research) the customization and adaptation of technologies and care services to provide effective, ongoing support; and to explore the possibilities for a co-production methodology that would enable people with cognitive impairment and their families to work with professionals and technical designers to shape these devices and services to meet their particular needs in a sustainable way. We found that the articulation work needed for maintaining the GPS technology in 'working order' was extensive and ongoing. This articulation work does not merely supplement formal procedures, a lot of it is needed to get round them, but it is also often invisible and thus its importance goes largely unrecognized. If GPS technologies are to be implemented at scale and sustainably, methods must be found to capitalize on the skills and tacit knowledge held within the care network (professional and lay) to resolve problems, improve device design, devise new service solutions, and foster organizational learning.
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(2018): The Effect of the Usage of Computer-Based Assistive Devices on the Functioning and Quality of Life of Individuals who are Blind or have low Vision. In: Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness 112 (1), S. 87-99. DOI: 10.1177/0145482X1811200108
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0145482X1811200108 Abstract: Introduction: The Israel Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services subsidizes computer-based assistive devices for individuals with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) to assist these individuals in their interactions with computers and thus to enhance their independence and quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of computer usage on the quality of life of computer-based assistive device users, and to evaluate their capacity to carry out computer-based tasks. Methods: The study was conducted between the years 2013 and 2015. Questionnaires were provided to 96 randomly sampled individuals with visual impairments. These questionnaires were designed to collect information about the quality of life, types and frequency of computer use, satisfaction with the assistive devices, and the effects of computer-based assistive device usage on the participants’ lives. In addition, the study evaluated participants’ performance in tasks such as e-mail use, Internet surfing, and the use of Microsoft Word; participants performed these tasks on their personal computers. The research sample accounts for about 10% of visually impaired persons in Israel. Results: Findings suggest that participants use computer-based assistive devices frequently (four hours a day on average), primarily for leisure (three hours on average). Participants also report high satisfaction with their devices (mean of 3.98 out of the maximum score of 5.00) and indicate that the devices have improved their quality of life (mean 3.67 out of 5.00) and leisure activities (mean 3.68 out of 5.00). Participants display high levels of task performance, especially in the use of Microsoft Word software (mean of 3.47 out of 5.00), and e-mail usage (mean of 3.81 out of 5.00). Discussion: The findings suggest that most participants use computer-based assistive devices daily and report a positive influence from them on their quality of life and activity. Implications for practitioners: The study suggests that welfare services and assistance organizations would benefit from subsidizing computer assistive devices for individuals with visual impairments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2018) : Multiple Welfare-Robots Architecture of Smart House for Security Assistance of Daily Activities: IEEE - ISR 2018: August 24-27, 2018, Shenyang, China : the 2018 International Conference on Intelligence and Safety for Robotics: 2018 IEEE International Conference on Intelligence and Safety for Robotics (ISR): Shenyang: 8/24/2018 - 8/27/2018. Ieee Isr; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; IEEE Robotics and Automation Society; International Conference on Intelligence and Safety for Robotics; Isr: Piscataway, NJ: IEEE, S. 595-601
Abstract: To tackle behavioral assistance for elderly care and disabled care in daily life, our laboratory rollout five welfare robots: walking support robot, walking rehabilitation robot, intelligent wheelchair robot, excretory support robot and handling robot. By integrating the multi-robots architecture and distributed sensor network, we proposes smart house which can be used for research in security assistance. Furthermore, aiming to implement the procedural assistance of rising and standing, transfer framework based on multi-robots architecture have been proposed. It aims to reduce the torso impact force and stabilize centre of gravity, establishing the rising transfer planning and standing transfer planning, combining with fall detection and rescue, which contributes to achieve secure and comfortable behavioral assistance in top-down way. Finally, we conducted experiments in our MWRA smart house to rising transfer, standing transfer, behavior assistance, fall detection and rescue. The experiments show MWRA have the auxiliary capabilities for ADLs(basic activities of daily living) and IADLs (instrumental activities of daily living), even EADLs(enhanced activities of daily living) in safety and comfortable way, which can be used in home, hospitals, rehabilitation center and other scenes for elderly care and disabled care.
2017
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(2017): Motive und Hürden bei der Etablierung technischer Assistenzsysteme in Pflegeheimen: eine qualitative Studie. In: Klinische Pflegeforschung /klinische-pflegeforschung (3). Online verfügbar unter URL: https://ojs.ub.uni-freiburg.de/index.php
Abstract: In einer qualitativen Studie wird analysiert, warum technische Assistenzsysteme (TAS) aus Sicht von Einrichtungsleitungen trotz wachsender Angebote und Akzeptanz in der Bevölkerung in bundesdeutschen Pflegeheimen selten zum Einsatz kommen. Im Rahmen der Untersuchung wurden Interviews mit 12 Einrichtungsleitungen geführt, die in Teilen TAS bereits einsetzten, und mittels einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Die Befragten beschrieben überwiegend ihre eigene Zurückhaltung und ihre moralischen Bedenken sowie die Ablehnung insbesondere älterer Mitarbeiter gegenüber TAS und die hohen Kosten als Barrieren. Um TAS in Pflegeheimen zu etablieren, erwarteten die Interviewten eine ausreichende Beratung und Partizipation der Einrichtungen von Seiten der Industrie, eine entsprechende Qualifizierung der künftigen Pflegenden und eine aktivere Beteiligung der Pflegewissenschaft.
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IEEE Life Sciences Conference; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; International IEEE Life Sciences Conference; Lsc (2017): 2017 IEEE Life Sciences Conference (LSC). 13-15 Dec. 2017. 2017 IEEE Life Sciences Conference (LSC). Sydney, Australia, 12/13/2017 - 12/15/2017. Piscataway, NJ: IEEE
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International Conference on Control, Automation and Systems; Chengŏ-Robot-Sisŭt'em-Hakhoe; Iccas (2017): ICCAS 2017. 2017 17th International Conference on Control, Automation and Systems : proceedings : October 18-21, 2017, Ramada Plaza, Jeju, Korea. 2017 17th International Conference on Control, Automation and Systems (ICCAS). Jeju, 10/18/2017 - 10/21/2017. Piscataway, NJ: IEEE
Abstract: Human Robotics Research Center (HRRC) has established in 2013 as an R&D center. Our objective is implement robots at the site of rehabilitation and nursing care. HRRC is working on the research and development of wearable auxiliary tool for behavior assistance of elderly who requires nursing care in cooperation with Kashiihara Hospital since 2015. Purpose of this research is to develop wearable device that can be reduce body burden of caregivers who carry out standing assistance / transfer assistance frequently at bathing care. We started this activity in 2015, and we have made 2 mockups so far. In 2016, a verification experiment of standing assistance / transfer assistance was conducted using prototype-1 that made based on the advice from Kashiihara hospital. As a result of the verification experiment, we assume 1st prototype will reduce the burden on caregivers. In the future, we will study “Powered Exoskeleton for Bathing Care” which applied ultra-mini hydraulic technology for body assistance and “Wearable Auxiliary Tool” that does not have body assistance”.
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(2017): Task and Design Requirements for an Affordable Mobile Service Robot for Elder Care in an All-Inclusive Care for Elders Assisted-Living Setting. In: International Journal of Social Robotics 33 (4). DOI: 10.1007/s12369-017-0436-5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-017-0436-5 Abstract: The high cost of elder care combined with the shortage of caregivers lead us to consider how service robots can be affordably leveraged to support the independence of elders and the work of their caregivers and clinicians. Our objective is to gain design insight into tasks older adults desire to accomplish daily in a low-resource, assisted living setting and how an affordable service robot could suit. A need-finding design approach consisting of focus groups and surveys was completed with three stakeholders groups: Elders, Clinicians, and Caregivers. Stakeholders were asked to identify and then prioritize service tasks by importance and frustration. Thirty-six unique high priority tasks were identified. Instrumental activities of daily living, a desire to have their preferences known, leisure activities, and increased opportunities for socialization were the most important tasks that the elders wanted a low-cost mobile service robot to address. Clinicians and caregivers prioritized highly safety-related reminders and assistance in complying with care plans in assessment of elder task needs. Service robots exist that do some, but not all of these desired tasks. An effective and affordable service robot requires design trade-offs in terms of cost, preference and complexity. A low-cost robot targeting reminders, companion walking, hydration and fetching assistance was suggested as an initial prototype. Prototypes may address high priority desires of all stakeholders, but robots that can intervene and affect long-lasting changes in elder care are still needed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
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(2017): Toward an intelligent long-term assistance for people with dementia in the context of navigation in indoor environments : Intelligente Langzeit-Unterstützung für Menschen mit Demenz im Kontext der Navigation in Gebäuden. In: Universität Würzburg, Graduate School of Science and Technology
Abstract: Designed and examined a system for indoor environments for people with moderate to severe dementia, who are unable or reluctant to use smartphone technology. To this end, a series of 10 studies was conducted with total of 35 adults with dementia. In the first step, a user-centered design approach was adopted to gather context and requirements of people with dementia in order to understand needs and difficulties (especially in spatial disorientation and wayfinding problems) experienced in dementia care facilities. Then, an "Implicit Interactive Intelligent (III) Environment" for people with dementia was proposed emphasizing implicit interaction and natural interface. The backbone of this III Environment is based on supporting orientation and navigation tasks with three systems: a monitoring system, an intelligent system, and a guiding system. The monitoring system and intelligent system automatically detect and interpret the locations and activities performed by the users i.e. people with dementia. This approach (implicit input) reduces cognitive workload as well as physical workload on the user to provide input. The intelligent system is also aware of context, predicts next situations (location, activity), and decides when to provide an appropriate service to the users. The guiding system with intuitive and dynamic environmental cues (lighting with color) has the responsibility for guiding the users to the places they need to be. Overall, three types of a monitoring system with Ultra-Wideband and iBeacon technologies, different techniques and algorithms were implemented for different contexts of use. They showed a high user acceptance with a reasonable price as well as decent accuracy and precision. In the intelligent system, models were built to recognize the users' current activity, detect the erroneous activity, predict the next location and activity, and analyze the history data, detect issues, notify them and suggest solutions to caregivers via visualized web interfaces. Regarding the guiding systems, five studies were conducted to test and evaluate the effect of lighting with color on people with dementia. The results were promising. Although several components of III Environment in general and three systems, in particular, are in place (implemented and tested separately), integrating them all together and employing this as a fully properly evaluation with formal stakeholders (people with dementia and caregivers) need to be examined in future research.
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(2017) : Barriers in acceptance of Ambient Assisted Living technologies among older Australians: 2017 IEEE Life Sciences Conference (LSC): 13-15 Dec. 2017: 2017 IEEE Life Sciences Conference (LSC): Sydney, Australia: 12/13/2017 - 12/15/2017. IEEE Life Sciences Conference; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; International IEEE Life Sciences Conference; Lsc: Piscataway, NJ: IEEE, S. 222-225
Abstract: One of the great challenges facing Australian society is the ageing population. Amongst various issues involved in this drastic demographic change, the most significant aspect is the demand for older Australians to be able to live independently at home. One of the things done to address these issues is the development of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) technologies. However, the optimum uptake of these technologies among the end-users (the elderly Australians) still remains a big concern. This aim of this study is to investigate the barriers and perceptions in the use of AAL applications amongst older Australians. Focus groups, and quantitative surveys have been conducted to provide the detailed analysis of these impediments. The results show that there are different factors that restrict the use of these technologies and elderly people have certain preferences when using the technology. An understanding of these barriers is gained to provide solutions according to user needs.
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(2017): Investigating the enabling factors influencing occupational therapists’ adoption of assisted living technology. In: British Journal of Occupational Therapy 80 (11), S. 668-675. DOI: 10.1177/0308022617711669
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022617711669 Abstract: Introduction: Research into technology adoption has focused on older adults’ motivations, with less exploration of the perspective of healthcare providers, including occupational therapists, who are often described as the gatekeepers to assisted living technology. Method: This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 20 occupational therapists in England and Scotland. The goal was to identify those enabling factors necessary for occupational therapists to adopt assisted living technology. Results: Five themes emerged regarding the enablers needed to support the adoption of assisted living technology by occupational therapists, including: (1) a positive client–therapist relationship; (2) affordability; (3) time; (4) increased awareness, education, and training; and (5) usability features of the assisted living technology. Conclusion: With an aging population and the increasing role that technology is playing globally in older adults’ lives, it has never been more important for occupational therapists to harness the potential of new, developing, and existing technologies to support people to live and age as well as possible. To accomplish this, however, requires that occupational therapists are equipped with the time, training, and education necessary to offer their clients assisted living technologies that are client-centered, usable, and affordable. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)