Learning Human Interaction using a Smart Rollator, the i-Walker

Abstract

In addition, the retirement from the working life, and the consequent reduction of physical and social activity, contribute to the increased incidence of falls in older adults. Moreover, elderly people suffer different kinds of cognitive decline, such as dementia or attention problems, which also accentuate gait disorders. Assistive technologies (AT) play a key role in today's society, especially when it comes to the older adults. They aim to maintain or improve individual's functioning and independence and to enhance overall well-being. ATs have enabled improvements in their Quality of Life, extending their autonomy and community living and allowing them to stay active in a safe and independent way. During the last decade, research has focused on developing ATs with sensor systems integrated in the device or located in the human body. Efforts are focused especially on mobility assistance for different targets of people and activity recognition, which could be used, for instance, to monitor elderly population while performing activities of daily living.