Technologies
Assistive Technologies / Robots
Buddy
@BlueFrogRobotics
Manufacturer: Blue Frog, the robot company (France)
Functions
3 wheels, high mobility, can move head, show emotions, 56cm, 5kg, 16GB, 8-10h battery, iPad control (communication), monitoring function, open-source
Short description
BUDDY can be used for child supervision, as a playmate for children with disabilities, as assistive technology for adults and as a companion robot for older adults. Buddy can remind older adults to take their medication or keep appointments, while also serving as a communication technology.
Nao
@SoftBank
Manufacturer: SoftBank Robotics
Functions
60 cm, 5.2 kg, battery approx. 60-90 minutes, head = 1.6 GHz Intel ATOM Z530 processor (a secondary processor is in the torso) and two integrated HD cameras with 30 fps, programming tool, open source
Short description
NAO is a humanoid robot from the French manufacturer SoftBank Robotics and a well-known programming tool. NAO is used, among other things, as a therapy robot (exercise or intervention therapy) in healthcare facilities to greet, inform and/or entertain visitors or older adults.
Paro
@© 2014 PARO Robots U.S., Inc.
Manufacturer: Takanori Shibata (Japan) National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Functions
2-5 kg, 60 cm, soft, responsive
Short description
Paro was originally developed in Japan for the treatment of people with dementia. Today, it is used in retirement and nursing homes worldwide. Paro has a positive influence on the mental state and social behaviour as well as on the physiological level (e.g. reduction of stress hormones).
Alpha Mini
@UBTECH Robotics
Manufacturer: UBTECH Robotics
Functions
Face and object recognition
Short description
Alpha Mini is a small humanoid robot. It is able to communicate and has face and object recognition and can be used for learning purposes.
Obi
@ Kinova Assistive
Manufacturer: Kinova Assistive
Functions
Food aid, 4 bowls, spoon and arm, 3.5 kg, battery 4h
Short description
OBI is a feeding robot with four bowls. The robot arm picks up the food with the spoon and carries it to the mouth. The person using it must still be able to move their head so that they can eat from the spoon and operate a button.
Sensor Fearless
@CogvisAI
Manufacturer: Cogvis
Functions
Fall detector
Short description
Using infrared technology and artificial intelligence, the sensor can detect falls without a senior having to press a button. The sensor is mounted on a wall or ceiling and can then monitor part of the room depending on its size. The sensor can also be integrated into the emergency call system and trigger the appropriate alarm.
Emergency buttons
Short description
Emergency buttons, bracelets, watches, or medallions now come in a wide variety of forms and are equipped with various technical systems. The basic idea is simple: in the event of a health problem or fall, the person concerned can press a button. In this way, he or she contacts an emergency call center or another saved number and can be rescued.
CARU care
@Caru care
Manufacturer: CARU care - Hausnotruf neu gedacht
Functions
Home emergency system
Short description
CARU care combines the latest technology with outstanding design and thus creates more safety in everyday life. CARU care is a product made in Switzerland, which is developed and produced in Zurich. By voice or pushing a button an emergency call is triggered. It is connected to the 24-hour control center or relatives. For additional safety, severe falls are automatically detected by the sensors on the wrist.
Withings Steel HR
Manufacturer: Withings
Short description
Withings Steel HR is a smartwatch that monitors physical activity, sleep and heart rate. It is used in health studies, particularly those on sleep, cancer and in the future also Alzheimer's disease.
Aidwatch
@NESTOR
Manufacturer: NESTOR
aidwatch - Notruf Uhr für Senioren, Sportler und Alleinarbeiter
Functions
Web-based emergency call/fall alarm
Short description
If a person falls, the aidwatch independently calls an emergency contact. In addition, the smartwatch has a call-for-help button that can be linked to five selected numbers. One press of the button is all it takes to call one emergency contact after another until a person answers the call. Since the aidwatch works with a SIM card, it is the ideal companion both at home and on the road.
Senopi
@Senopi
Manufacturer: Senopi
Functions
VR-based (memory) training
Short description
With SenopiMed, users are immersed in a fascinating virtual world and can playfully train their physical and cognitive skills. This innovative VR solution was developed by SenopiVR especially for people over 60. The training includes different difficulty levels and focuses on everyday skills such as arm mobility, executive functions and working memory. As part of residential care, caregivers provide support and track progress via the associated app.
Flower
@Ullo
Manufacturer: Ullo
Flower, le booster de sérénité
Functions
Breathing exercises and calming down
Short description
Flower is a device for stimulating the senses. Flower offers a new way to manage stress. It is an interactive, mobile and lightweight product that guides breathing through light variations in soft or bright colors.
Flower is the result of a research collaboration with specialized laboratories in cognitive science and ergonomics. According to different studies, Flower has a positive impact on users as well as on the working life of professionals.
Everyday helpers
Integral cutlery
Integrales Besteck mit Kugelset
Short description
The ergonomic steel cutlery is not only nice to look at but features a special design for people with limited motor skills. The custom-designed spoon shape helps people with limited motor skills to be more independent at mealtimes and can improve their quality of life.
Sippa - Universal Drinking Aid
Manufacturer: Sippa
Short description
The Sippa drinking aid helps people with movement limitations and swallowing disorders to drink. Sippa significantly reduces the risk of aspiration.
Boxes and other innovations
Impulse box
Manufacturer: Zeitpolster (Zeitvorsorge)
Functions
Facilitates access to difficult topics
Short description
The Impulse Box makes it easier to approach difficult topics. An Impulse Box contains topic cards, a guide and invitation cards. Depending on the thematic area (e.g. dementia or retirement), the questions were compiled in cooperation with the relevant organisations.
Experiential box
@Komform
Manufacturer: Komform - Kommunikation in Form
Functions
Collapsible box, ring opening, elastic bands to secure contents, compartments for sorting and storage, age-appropriate surface, cleanable with a cloth and list of appropriate items to fill the box
Short description
The thematic experience boxes are designed to awaken memories in older adults and encourage independent action. Pictures, colors, and words as well as tactile elements play an important role. The practical box offers compartments in which to classify and arrange the various elements.
Lotte Chair
Manufacturer: Sarah Hossli (Design) / Möbel für den Büro-, Objekt- und Wohnbereich. Seit 1889 (girsberger.com)
Short description
Lotte is a chair that enables users to stand up and sit down on their own, regardless of age and ability. Due to age-related impairments, this often represents a major challenge and restricts the freedom of older people in everyday life. One striking feature is the slightly raised armrests that extend towards the front of the furniture. Thanks to their shape, they can be grasped safely and at the same time serve as a comfortable armrest and offer support when standing up or sitting down.
Online Platforms and Apps
Easierphone
Nowadays, the smartphone is an indispensable tool in the everyday life of all generations. However, its use is often complicated for older people in particular. As part of a current project, the Institute for Ageing Research is testing a recently developed smartphone app, which should make it easier for older people and those unfamiliar with technology to use their smartphones by simplifying certain functions and also navigation. As part of the project, the app will be tested in direct cooperation with various end-user groups (older people, family members) at the Living Lab 65+ of the Research Institute on Ageing at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Eastern Switzerland (OST), and on the basis of the feedback received it will be refined and improved for the Android operating system over several development cycles. The app can also be used in tandem, so that a younger trusted person (e.g. a child) can directly assist the older person via remote access.
Wisdom of Age - A Seniors Digital Platform for Knowledge Transfer towards Industrial Companies
With the WisdomOfAge (WoA) project, a modern, flexible and open digital platform is being developed with the aim of connecting companies and adults 55+ with work experience (e.g. in technology and IT). Since the user interface must meet the needs of the end users, they are closely involved in the development of the project from the very beginning. The ultimate goal is that through the platform, adults aged 55 and over can easily share their knowledge and experience in the fields of technology and IT with organisations and companies in the form of mentoring, coaching and consulting.
However, the objective is not limited to mere knowledge transfer, but also wants to promote active and individualised ageing.
Heroes
To meet the local demand for caregivers, the HEROES project aims to make the recruitment of caregivers fast, reliable, and cost-efficient. The project team is developing a digital recruitment platform in which retired individuals and caregivers support private individuals and institutions in the recruitment process of caregivers.
Bonjour Grow App
Bonjour Grow App - Erfülle Deine Wünsche und wachse als Mensch
Bonjour's Grow app aims to create new inspirations for daily life. The user can choose goals for the week in six areas of daily life. Once the goal for the week is reached, a new flower appears.