AI and Advanced Technology in Homes

By Mehrnoush Mokhtarnejad

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) have revolutionized the way we interact with our living environments. These technologies are incredibly transformative for individuals with developmental disabilities, providing innovative solutions to enhance their independence and quality of life. While some applications of these technologies are well-known, others are still emerging and hold significant potential.

Health Smart Homes (HSH)

Health Smart Homes (HSH) leverage IoT and embedded computing to create environments that support in-home medical treatment. These systems often include devices such as smartphones and Raspberry Pi, which facilitate wireless communication and camera integration. One underexplored application of HSH is the use of image processing and emotional detection to monitor patients' well-being. By analyzing patient images, these systems can alert caregivers to potential issues, such as accidents or changes in emotional states, enabling timely intervention (1). This approach is both cost-effective and easy to implement with existing IoT technologies.

Home Automation Systems

Home automation systems have become increasingly accessible and can significantly benefit individuals with long-term disabilities. These systems allow users to control various aspects of their home environment, such as lighting, temperature, and security, through voice commands or smartphone apps. Despite the benefits, users often need help with challenges such as long waiting periods for installation, self-advocacy to receive the technology, and frustrations when systems malfunction. Nonetheless, the positive impact on independence and quality of life makes home automation an invaluable resource for people with disabilities (2).

Telepresence Robots

Telepresence robots offer a unique solution for individuals who have difficulty leaving their homes or interacting in person due to their disabilities. These robots enable remote social interaction by allowing users to control a camera and microphone at a distant location, often displaying the user's face on the robot. This technology can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals who are bed-bound or have limited mobility. However, accessibility barriers in the robot interfaces can limit their usability for some individuals (3).

Also, “Double Robotics” allows users to move a camera and microphone remotely, facilitating real-time social interaction. The newer models include AI features that enhance navigation and user interface accessibility, making them easier for people with disabilities to use a self-driving video-conferencing machine, designed for enhanced remote learning and working (https://www.doublerobotics.com/). 

Apps for Visual, Speech, and Hearing Impairments

HandyApps is a mobile application designed to assist individuals with visual, speech, and hearing impairments. It includes features such as face detection, object recognition, text recognition, and face recognition for the visually impaired. For those with hearing impairments, it offers Speech-to-Text functionality and a sign language application. The speech-impaired can benefit from Text-to-Speech features with predefined phrases and words. This application has been well-received by users and aims to enhance independent living for people with various disabilities (4).

Smart Home Systems for Dementia 

For individuals with dementia, smart home systems equipped with AI and IoT devices can provide essential support. These systems include environmental sensors, physiological measurement devices, smartwatches, and tablet-based chatbots. By continuously monitoring the home environment and the user's health, these technologies can ensure safety, provide cognitive stimulation, and facilitate remote interventions by caregivers and healthcare professionals (5).

Wearable Technologies

Wearable devices are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to collect and analyze health data. These devices can monitor fitness, detect movement disorders, and even assess mental health. AI algorithms can process this data to provide personalized health recommendations and alerts, making wearables an essential tool for individuals with developmental disabilities who need continuous health monitoring (6).

For example, “BuddyTag” is a wearable device for children with developmental disabilities that uses Bluetooth to alert caregivers if the child wanders beyond a set distance. It also includes a panic button for the child to call for help. Also, “SmartSole” is an insole with GPS tracking, helping caregivers monitor the whereabouts of individuals with a tendency to wander. (https://metalert.shop/). 

Socially Assistive Robots (SARs)

Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) are designed to provide social, cognitive, and physical assistance to individuals in their homes. The MoveCare system, for example, integrates a SAR into an Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) framework, offering long-term support through monitoring and stimulation. This system has shown that the presence of a robot can motivate users to engage more with the technology. However, the perceived complexity and cost may slightly reduce overall acceptability (7).

Voice Assistants (VAs)

Individuals with disabilities increasingly use voice assistants like Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant to perform daily tasks, set reminders, and control smart home devices. Longitudinal studies have shown that VAs can significantly improve the well-being of physically and visually impaired individuals by enhancing their ability to interact with their environment and maintain independence (11).

For example, “Amazon Echo with Alexa Guard” is a voice assistant that not only responds to commands but can also listen for signs of trouble, such as glass breaking or smoke alarms. It can alert users and their caregivers to potential dangers.

Conclusion

Integrating AI and advanced technology in homes has opened up new possibilities for supporting independent living for individuals with developmental disabilities. From Health Smart Homes and telepresence robots to mobile applications and wearable devices, these technologies offer innovative solutions that address the unique needs of this population. As these technologies continue to evolve, their potential to enhance independence and quality of life will only grow, making them an essential part of the future of home-based care (https://www.digitaltrends.com).

References

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