Project Overview

Though the benefits of aging in place, it is still a challenge to develop assistive technologies that are affordable, sustainable, and scientifically proven to be effective, efficient and satisfactory for all.

In this research-action project, a federated chain of technologies will be co-designed and implemented in two collective residences for seniors. All 65 tenants will have a water damage prevention system. Twelve will also benefit from customized ready-to-use monitoring and assistance scenarios. Once deployed, an Internet of Things infrastructure will collect data. Crunching these data, learning algorithms will feed independent but cooperating context-aware applications that will provide feedback to seniors, families, caregivers, and building managers, thus empowering elders and crafting care circles. Blockchains and smart contracts will enforce privacy and help users regain control over their data.

This project will lead to 1) a guide for implementing smart environments in collective residences; 2) commercialized assistive technologies at the lowest costs and with demonstrated usability through a rigorous research process, involving partnership with seniors and their ecosystems; 3) studies measuring their impact on autonomy, quality of life and costs. In the long run, these technologies will be implemented at a larger scale in various collective housings using a cooperative business model.