Researchers advance remote monitoring systems for the elderly

Assistive technologies are old hat, but a team of researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington (among other institutions) is working to provide a more robust, all-inclusive option for elderly individuals who'd prefer to age gracefully within their own domiciles. In theory, sensors could be embedded throughout seniors' homes in order to "detect when the residents have sleepless nights or forget to take their medication." From there, caregivers would be alerted and could react remotely via a web-based communications portal. The UTA lab that's perfecting the idea currently utilizes a single room equipped with cameras, motion detectors and robots, and professors / students keep a close eye on any movement that gets recorded and transferring to computers for processing. If all goes well, a collaboratively built "home of the future" will actually be on display at CES 2009, likely showcasing some of these very advancements.

[Image courtesy of Michael Mulvey / DMN, thanks Travis]

[ben @ Oct 15th 2008 3:19PM]

woooo Debian! The distribution of LOVE!

[Fred @ Oct 15th 2008 3:30PM]

Just take every instance of "Elderly" or "Senior" and replace it with "Winston Smith".

[bob sakamano @ Oct 15th 2008 3:37PM]

that guy has an amazing head of hair

[Boarderwoot @ Oct 15th 2008 3:40PM]

"Mr. Smith, the sensors in your floor have communicated to us that you have fallen and can't get up. Is this correct Mr. Smith?...Mr. Smith?"

[Shane @ Oct 15th 2008 3:48PM]

1984, anyone? They just WANT you to think that all the cameras and sensors are for your own good... :-)

[OneLove @ Oct 15th 2008 3:53PM]

help! I've fallen and I can't get up!

[StalematE @ Oct 15th 2008 3:59PM]

i remember when they changed that commercial since everyone mocked it so hard... and then it said "help, i've fallen and i hurt myself" made me laugh even harder... poor old lady. oh and the costume...

http://august-arts.com/Images/fallen2.jpg

[Carl Lumma @ Oct 15th 2008 4:13PM]

Step 1: Isolate the elderly.
Step 2: Monitor remotely.
Step 3: Profit!

[DarkLight @ Oct 15th 2008 5:17PM]

Nono, you're missing the most important step: ???

[kingu @ Oct 15th 2008 4:26PM]

I would be worried if it was windows or osx.

[angus454 @ Oct 15th 2008 4:53PM]

sounds like a supermax prison to me. No thanks.

[The Walrus @ Oct 15th 2008 10:11PM]

I'd prefer it to a nursing home or being a burden on my children if it came down to it

[matt @ Oct 15th 2008 5:46PM]

Yay, Debian!

[DirtyVegas @ Oct 15th 2008 5:55PM]

Hmm, promising. Everything that comes of out these labs sounds amazing till they hit you with the phrase "In theory", "could be possible" etc. If it is indeed practical, it'd be cool if insurance companies can cover some of that cost. Can't imagine how retired folk can pay for such a system.

[lowdef @ Oct 15th 2008 7:53PM]

too bad its not the real UT A

[zmjjmz @ Oct 15th 2008 10:42PM]

Wow, that laptop looks like some new technology right thar.
No seriously Debian is cool and mice are overrated.

[thebrave @ Oct 16th 2008 1:45AM]

Don't forget Granpa : it's ^X M-H to get help !