Creating an Intelligent Dementia-Friendly Living Space: A Feasibility Study Integrating Assistive Robotics, Wearable Sensors, and Spatial Technology

TL;DR

This feasibility study explores integrating assistive robotics, wearable sensors, and spatial technology into a dementia-friendly living space to support residents and improve care through seamless, background technological assistance.

Contribution

It demonstrates the practical integration of multiple assistive technologies in a living environment tailored for dementia care, highlighting their collective impact.

Findings

Physiological data shows high engagement during robot interactions.

The integrated system supports various activities without requiring technical expertise.

Robot-assisted activities potentially enhance residents' quality of life.

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of assistive therapeutic robotics, wearable sensors, and spatial sensors within an intelligent environment tailored for dementia care. The feasibility study aims to assess the collective impact of these technologies in enhancing care giving by seamlessly integrating supportive technology in the background. The wearable sensors track physiological data, while spatial sensors monitor geo-spatial information, integrated into a system supporting residents without necessitating technical expertise. The designed space fosters various activities, including robot interactions, medication delivery, physical exercises like walking on a treadmill (Bruce protocol), entertainment, and household tasks, promoting cognitive stimulation through puzzles. Physiological data revealed significant participant engagement during robot interactions, indicating the potential effectiveness of robot-assisted activities in enhancing the quality of life for residents.