Hidden System Makes It Easier for Elderly People to Live at Home
From: Technical University Munich (Germany) - 02/14/2013

Technical University of Munich (TUM) researchers, in collaboration with
business partners, have designed an assistive system for helping senior
citizens live at home by embedding a tablet computer in the wall. The tablet
provides a central location where users can access all of the information
they need, such as weather forecasts, bus schedules, and family phone
numbers. The wall panel is designed for an entrance hall area and can alert
occupants if they forget to take the front door key when they open the front
door. It also can keep track of other items that are frequently misplaced.
When residents feel poorly, biosensors can measure vital signs so the system
can recommend exercise or medication, or alert a physician or mobile nursing
service if the health problem is critical. Building automation functions such
as air conditioning also can be managed by the system, which would maintain
the circulation of fresh air if the occupant forgets to air the living space.
The researchers plan to develop similar wall panels for every room in a
house, and TUM professor Thomas Bock stresses that "we want people to retain
as much of their independence as possible."  

Read the entire article at:
http://www.tum.de/en/about-tum/news/press-releases/short/article/30440/

Link:
Thomas Bock
http://www.professoren.tum.de/en/bock-thomas/