AASS Seminar - Lessons Learned from TigerPlace: A 15-Year Perspective of Ambient Intelligence Research

The research centre AASS arranges a seminar with Professor Marjorie Skubic, University of Missouri.

Abstract

Dr. Skubic will describe ongoing transdisciplinary research and sensor technology for ambient intelligence in the home. Longitudinal research studies with in-home sensing systems have shown that the sensors offer new vital signs for detecting early signs of illness and functional decline. The system provides a new paradigm for proactively managing chronic health conditions, thereby making early treatment possible and helping seniors to maintain health, function and independence. A variety of sensors have been tested, including passive infrared motion sensors, a bed sensor that captures quantitative pulse, respiration, and restlessness while positioned under the mattress, as well as fall detection and gait analysis systems using vision, radar, acoustic arrays, and depth images. Variations of the system have been installed in TigerPlace and other senior housing sites in Missouri and Iowa, as well as private homes in Kansas City, South Dakota, and Columbia, MO, starting in 2005.   Dr. Skubic will discuss an overview of the work, research highlights, and case study examples. The talk will also include a discussion of challenges encountered and open research questions.

Bio

Marjorie Skubic received her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University in 1997, where she specialized in human-robot interaction. She is currently a Professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at the University of Missouri. In addition to her academic experience, she has spent 14 years working in industry as a software developer. Her current research interests include sensor networks for ambient intelligence, preventative health screening and rehabilitation tools, and user interfaces to foster proactive healthcare. In 2006, Dr. Skubic established the Center for Eldercare and Rehabilitation Technology at the University of Missouri and serves as the Center Director for this transdisciplinary team. The center's work supports proactive models of healthcare such as monitoring systems that noninvasively track the physical and cognitive health of elderly residents in their homes and generate alerts for health changes, increasing fall risk, and actual fall events. Recent work has also investigated automated screening of athletes and pianists to flag injury risks, with support for preventative exercises to reduce the risk, as well as rehabilitation support for stroke patients and patients recovering from hand surgery.