Technology Assists When Memory Falters
From: Newswise - 03/30/2004

Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing an advanced version
of so-called minder technology that makes use of artificial intelligence to
deliver more personalized reminders of what an elderly person has done and is
supposed to do. The Autominder software serves as a computerized caregiver
that would aid the elderly or anyone suffering from brain trauma. Designed
for use in handheld computers and in a mobile robot called Pearl or Nursebot,
Autominder provides instructions and guidance to patients who let the device
know they have completed a task by touching or tapping it. Electrical
engineering and computer science professor Martha Pollack says most minder
technology operates as a "glorified alarm clock," but the artificial
intelligence capabilities allow Autominder to interpret data and issue
reminders on what a person needs to do. The researchers, who are working with
a team from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon, also are
considering integrating motion sensors and contact sensors into the
Autominder software, which would give the device the ability to, for example,
determine that a patient left the water running and tell the person to turn
it off. Acting on sensor data, the device would know whether a patient has
eaten, and remind the person that they must eat lunch before taking their
medication. 

http://www.newswise.com/p/articles/view/504004/

