EMERGENCE - CIREI

Project Overview

Project completion: 31/07/2024

The CIREI project was a pioneering initiative aimed at improving the lives of people living with frailty through technology. Despite the availability of many smart devices, such as robotic helpers and Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets, their full potential to create supportive home environments has not been fully realized. The project introduced a smart middleware called WISE-WARE, which effectively connects and integrates various off-the-shelf assistive devices.

One of the standout features of CIREI was its collaborative approach. The project involved a diverse group of stakeholders, including technology developers, healthcare professionals, and the very people who would use these technologies. By working together, we ensured that the WISE-WARE middleware was not only technically sound but also met the real needs and preferences of the end-users. This approach sets a new benchmark for creating user-centered healthcare technologies, emphasizing the importance of direct input from those who stand to benefit.

During the project, a prototype application was developed that utilised data analytics to monitor signs of frailty from various connected devices. This allows caregivers to adjust their support based on real-time information, making care more personalized and responsive. For instance, if a device detects that a resident is having difficulty with daily activities, the system can alert caregivers or suggest interventions tailored to the individual’s needs.

The findings from the CIREI project are also crucial for shaping policies and best practices in the field of assistive technology. By identifying the barriers and facilitators to technology adoption, the project provides valuable insights that can enhance solutions for the aging population.

In summary, the CIREI project took a significant step toward creating ‘smart and assistive’ homes for individuals with frailty. By integrating various assistive devices and leveraging data to inform care, the project not only showcases the potential for improved daily support but also lays the groundwork for future innovations in healthcare technology. This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration in technology development, ensuring that solutions are both effective and user-friendly.

Project Outcomes

The project successfully developed the CIREI framework, a comprehensive model aimed at enhancing the integration of assistive technologies in smart homes for prefrail older adults. Key insights emerged from the co-design workshop, revealing critical factors influencing technology adoption, such as usability, privacy, and personalized learning preferences. These findings underscored the importance of user-centered design in addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by older adults and their caregivers.

Additionally, the project produced a middleware prototype that seamlessly integrates commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices, facilitating health management and improving the quality of life for older adults. By engaging both residents and experts throughout the project, the team ensured that our solution is adaptable and relevant, providing a robust foundation for future research and development in user-centered technology design. Ultimately, the project not only advanced our understanding of assistive technology integration but also fostered a collaborative approach, empowering older adults to maintain independence and enhancing their overall wellbeing.

Project Deliverables

Additionally, the following deliverables are available through the project's GitHub website:

- Source code for the CIREI and WISE-WARE middleware

- Workshop Materials

- Detailed project documentation

- Demonstration videos

- Journal paper (once submitted)

Project Team