Domestic Robot Helps Sick Elderly Live Independently Longer
From: Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands) - 04/22/2010

The Eindhoven University of Technology's (TU/e's) Knowledgeable Service
Robots for Aging (KSERA) project aims to link robots and smart homes to help
elderly people live better. The KSERA project is focusing on helping chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Within the next three years, the
project aims to complete several demonstration homes, which will be equipped
with a robot and the domestic systems of a smart home. The robot will follow
patients through the house, learn their habits, and warn a doctor if the
patient is not doing well. In addition, the robot will provide entertainment
in the form of Internet and videos. "We want to show what is possible in this
area," says KSERA project coordinator Lydia Meesters. KSERA researchers also
will collaborate with the TU/e-led RoboEarth project, which aims to build a
global central memory for robots that will enable them to learn from each
other. Ethical issues will be given special attention. "We need to define
clear limits, for the robot will continuously measure and see very private
data," Meesters says. 

Read the entire article at:
http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=74114&CultureCode=en
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100422085218.htm

Links:
KSERA research project focuses on COPD patients
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100422/KSERA-research-project-focuses-on-COPD-patients.aspx

KSERA
http://www.ceit.at/ceit-raltec/projekts/ksera
http://www.ksera-project.eu/