Smart Home Technology Research Articles

SENSOR-ENHANCED CARE COORDINATION TO ADDRESS OLDER ADULT HEALTH: LESSONS FROM AN INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH TEAM

Abstract Researchers at the University of Missouri have a history of developing and testing aging in place (AIP) care coordination models for clinical translation. Vital to this work are in-home, residentially installed sensors to detect early illness and functional decline over time. While much smart home research is focused on older adults living in continuing care retirement communities, our team developed a novel sensor-enhanced care coordination approach for community-dwelling and disabled older adults as part of two ongoing, federally funded projects. For this symposium, we will highlight the Age-friendly Sustainable Smart and Equitable Technologies for Aging in Place (ASSETs for AIP) demonstration program, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services. Our first presentation will overview our interdisciplinary approach to creating this novel care coordination model, with specifics about research team composition, population focus, and methods. Our second presentation will highlight recruitment strategies and share lessons learned from reaching and enrolling this population that often experience residential transitions. Our third presentation will overview the open-source smart home and consumer-grade technologies deployed in this work, and practical considerations for technology installation, support, and sustainability and clinical team training. Our symposium will close with a presentation of selected client case studies that illustrate how clinical care coordinators use sensor data to remotely monitor and empower older adults for behavior change via telehealth consultations. This symposium will help inform other care coordination research, particularly that which uses sensor technologies and telehealth to facilitate aging in place.

CASE STUDIES OF A SENOR-ENHANCED CARE COORDINATION MODEL TO ADDRESS OLDER ADULT HEALTH

Abstract Smart technologies hold enormous potential in the early detection of activity change that may indicate illness or functional decline among older adults. However, little research currently exists on the application of such technologies to community-dwelling older adults. Our program, Age-friendly Sustainable Smart and Equitable Technologies for Aging in Place (ASSETs for AIP) uses open-source smart home technologies and consumer-grade wearable devices to monitor community-dwelling older adults recently discharged from the Show-Me Home program. We employ a novel approach; pairing technology with a care coordination team, comprised of a registered nurse, occupational therapist, and a licensed social worker. This presentation will highlight the function of this team, and how they leverage sensor-generated health information to provide care coordination. Using a clinical interface that displays the sensor-generated health data, this team provides ongoing monitoring of daily activity to identify early changes in routine that may indicate the development of a health problem. As significant changes in health data present, our clinical team works with clients to understand the change and formulate a plan of action. For example, an unexplained spike in heart rate may lead the clinician to discuss recent activity, exertion, and potential modifications in routine for a client. An increase in middle-of-the night bathroom trips may indicate a health change, for the which the client will be coached in what to communicate to their provider. Case studies from our program will be discussed in this presentation, to highlight this model of sensor-enhanced care coordination.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON AGING IN THE COMMUNITY AND CULTURE AMONG CHINESE OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Chinese older adults face many barriers to healthy aging in community, such as increased financial burden, threatened place security, limited accessibility to medical services, language and transportation difficulties, daily housework and repairs challenges, etc. This systematic review aimed to examine and report the results current scholars have published in journal articles in the last decade (2010-present) on the influence of culture on Chinese older adults aging in community. Combination terms of “aging in community or aging in place,” “Chinese,” and “culture or cultural or ethnicity or identity or values” were used when searching in the four databases: CINAHL Complete; ERIC; MEDLINE; and PsycInfo. Researcher examined abstracts of all journal articles retrieved using the above criteria and further determined their relevance for inclusion. A total of 38 journal articles were included. Findings suggest that aging in community reflects a changing policy tendency from institution-based to community-centered care which better responds to the needs of the growing Chinese senior population. Family care remains older adults’ preferences. However, individual, community, and larger contextual factors can be influenced, such as the number of adult children in the household, education level, residential area, accessibility to healthcare facilities, perceived cultural values of filial piety, state-owned enterprise reformation, and the one-child policy in China. Policymakers are encouraged to promote older adults’ personalized care plans; comprehensive health insurance coverage; constructive social/community environments (e.g. community parks or community open spaces for age-friendly activities); home care support, or smart home technologies for regular health monitoring.

CO-DESIGNING A HIGH-ACCURACY HOME MONITORING SYSTEM FOR MANAGING FRAILTY IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Background Frailty, a condition often affecting older adults, increases vulnerability and diminishes physical abilities across bodily systems. Current non-routine frailty screening in primary care or clinical settings fails to detect “hidden health vulnerabilities” in a timely manner. Smart home technologies offer an affordable and effective solution for continuous frailty tracking and prevention. However, existing home monitoring technologies typically require users to acquire new skills or are invasive, such as camera-based systems. Objective: Our goal is to create a high-accuracy home monitoring system coupled with Internet of Things devices to identify potential frailty indicators. Methods This qualitative description study involves 4 to 8 participants, including older adults with and without Mild Cognitive Impairments/frailty, caregivers, and clinicians, in a group interview. Using card sorting and task mapping, the interview seeks to identify and define the features and challenges of a smart home system to monitor frailty in older adults. Results The study is registered in clinical trials, with data collection commencing soon. At the conference, we will present the research protocol and the findings from the analysis of the interviews. Conclusion Through the early engagement of older adults and caregivers, we strive to design a valuable and meaningful system that (1) uses zero-effort technologies so frail older adults do not need to develop new skills in order to use the system; (2) is a non-camera-based tracking technology preserving autonomy and privacy; (3) generates the frailty data meaningful for older adults, caregivers and the health system.

Development of AR Android Application for Disability and Elderly-Friendly Smart Home Control

In the rapidly evolving era of technology, smart homes have become a significant trend. This research aims to develop a smart home control model through an Android augmented reality (AR) application using a marker-based method. The marker-based approach utilizes physical markers recognized by the application to project virtual objects into the real world. The developed application enables users, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly, to easily control various features in a smart home using their Android devices. Physical markers used as references in the AR application are identified. Once a marker is detected, virtual objects appear above it, allowing users to control lights, fans, and various smart home devices. Testing has shown that the AR application with the marker-based method can accurately recognize markers and provide quick responses to user commands. Users have also reported a positive interactive experience. This research represents an innovative contribution to the development of disability-friendly and elderly friendly smart home technology. It is expected that this technology will advance the creation of more inclusive, convenient, and efficient smart homes in the future.

"Unveiling the Impact: Examining the Role of Internet in Architecture through Post-Occupancy Analysis and User Satisfaction in DHA Lahore"

This qualitative research paper explores the impact of internet connectivity in architecture, specifically within the context of DHA Lahore. Adopting a post-occupancy analysis approach, the study examines the role of internet technology in architectural design and its influence on user satisfaction within the DHA Lahore community.
 Through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis, this research investigates the experiences and perceptions of residents regarding the use of internet in architectural spaces. It explores how internet connectivity affects their daily lives, communication patterns, access to information, and overall satisfaction with the built environment in DHA Lahore.
 The study delves into the ways in which internet connectivity is integrated into architectural design, including considerations such as accessibility, reliability, and user-friendliness. By analyzing qualitative data, the research uncovers the benefits and challenges associated with internet connectivity in architectural spaces, as perceived by the users in DHA Lahore.
 Furthermore, the paper explores the impact of internet connectivity on various architectural elements, such as space utilization, collaboration, and smart home technologies. It investigates how these elements, when enhanced by internet connectivity, contribute to user satisfaction and the overall quality of life in DHA Lahore.
 By utilizing a qualitative methodology, this research offers rich insights into the lived experiences and perspectives of users in DHA Lahore. It provides a deeper understanding of the ways in which internet connectivity influences architectural design and user satisfaction, highlighting potential areas for improvement and innovation.

REDESIGN UI/UX APLIKASI SH-UPI MENGGUNAKAN KERANGKA KERJA DESIGN THINKING

Nowadays, Smart Home technology has been widely reached by society and utilized by most people, from the upper to the middle class, with various brands and products including its features. Smart Home Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (SH-UPI) is a commercial smart home platform, a new player in this technology business. UPI Academics developed the SH-UPI platform; they successfully commercialized a smart LED Bulb (RGB lamp). The product is managed by a particular Android application, i.e., SH-UPI Apps; it can be downloaded on the Play Store or the official website. However, based on information from the developer, this application has yet to consider good UI/UX aspects during production. Therefore, it is highly necessary to redesign the SH-UPI application to give users a more comfortable (user-friendly) and is competitive against other competitors. The SH-UPI Apps was redesigned using the Design Thinking framework. This method comprises five stages: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. This preliminary study focuses on the Empathize, Define, Ideate, and Prototype stages. The results reveal that the Emphatize stage has been carried out well, which concludes that the application needs to be redesigned to improve the user experience’s quality. A mock-up for the new SH-UPI Apps version has been introduced in the Define to Ideate stages. The results of this study can be used as a reference for developing SH-UPI Apps with much better UI/UX. Afterward, the study will continue to further stages: Test.

A smart home energy management approach incorporating an enhanced northern goshawk optimizer to enhance user comfort, minimize costs, and promote efficient energy consumption

Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the quest for sustainable and clean energy solutions, and its effect on smart home energy management is of particular interest. With the rapid advancements in smart home technologies, energy optimization has become essential, aiming to achieve efficient energy consumption, cost reduction, and enhanced user comfort. Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources, emerges as a promising solution for sustainable energy. It offers numerous benefits, including zero greenhouse gas emissions, high energy density, and versatile applications. In the context of this study, the enhanced northern goshawk optimization (ENGO) algorithm and the original northern goshawk optimization (NGO) algorithm are investigated for optimizing smart home energy management. By employing a two-stage approach based on high and low-velocity ratios, ENGO overcomes the limitations of NGO, such as low exploitation capability and being trapped in local optima. The study demonstrates that ENGO outperforms NGO in achieving multiple objectives simultaneously, including reducing the peak-to-average ratio (PAR), lowering electricity costs, and ensuring user comfort. Furthermore, ENGO proves to be more robust, capable of handling complex smart home energy management problems with multiple constraints. Thus, the integration of hydrogen solutions, such as green hydrogen, with advanced optimization techniques like ENGO, can significantly contribute to the effective management of energy resources in smart homes, promoting sustainability and user satisfaction.

IoT 기술의 사회복지적 활용을 위한 서비스 러닝 프로그램 개발 및 효과 검증

Objectives This study aims to explore the meaning of service learning teaching method to specialized high school students by applying a service learning program with the subject of a related major to specialized high school stu-dents and analyzing the effect.
 Methods In this study, the PPCD (Pre Post Control Design) model was used to determine the effect of each of the experimental group and control group by performing a pre-test and comparing the results with the post-test results of the research program treatment. Therefore, an experimental group of 12 students belonging to an IoT-related autonomous club and a control group of 11 general students taking IoT-related classes were selected. The program developed and applied a service learning program using the Design Thinking methodology, which is being actively discussed in engineering education, and the program lasted about a month from September 15, 2021 to October 14, 2021.
 Results Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to minimize the effect of students' existing creative person-ality level and class satisfaction on the program outcome. After adjusting the creative personality level to 3.178 and the pre-class satisfaction to 4.0, the posterior values were derived. As a result, the creative personality level was 3.874 in the experimental group and 3.192 in the control group, and the class satisfaction was 4.33 in the ex-perimental group and 3.913 in the control group. 이Based on the results of this study, the level of creativity and class satisfaction of the experimental group to which the smart home service learning program was applied in-creased significantly. and it can be evaluated that the smart home service learning program had a positive effect on the creative personality and class satisfaction of vocational high school students.
 Conclusions The conclusions of this study are as follows. First, the smart home service learning program in this study was effective because it provided an opportunity to directly apply smart home technology rather than theory and simple practice, and continued to provide the reward of being able to help someone. Second, for effective service learning, it is necessary to first secure a pool of active institutions, and at this time, it is necessary to pro-vide detailed manuals for effective learning and service based on the principle of reciprocity. Third, the effect may vary depending on the student's interest, so it is necessary to plan and operate the program from a long-term per-spective rather than a one-off.

Designing A WSNs-based Smart Home Monitoring System through Deep Reinforcement Learning

The technology of smart home systems has developed rapidly and provides convenience for human life. Several smart home technologies, especially monitoring systems, have been developed by integrating several aspects, including security systems, fuzzy methods, and energy saving methods. However, the problem is how to build a smart home system that is accurate, convenient, and low-cost. In this research, the development of a smart home monitoring system that integrates wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is carried out based on three parameters, i.e. temperature, humidity and CO2 level. The experimental method is carried out by (1) validating the accuracy quality of WSNs; (2) determining the best model implemented in the system; and (3) measuring the quality of the DRL system on the smart home monitoring system. Based on the test results, several indicators were obtained: (1) WSN testing resulted in an accuracy of 98.52%; (2) the accuracy of the modeling results implemented in the system is 97.70%; and (3) DRL system test on the smart home monitoring system through 21 test scenarios resulted in an accuracy of 95.52%. The indicators of testing this smart monitoring system prove that the developed system provides the advantages of accuracy, ease of use, and low cost.

An approach towards demand response optimization at the edge in smart energy systems using local clouds

The fourth and fifth industrial revolutions (Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0) have driven significant advances in digitalization and integration of advanced technologies, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions. Smart Energy Systems (SESs) have emerged as crucial tools for addressing climate change, integrating smart grids and smart homes/buildings to improve energy infrastructure. To achieve a robust and sustainable SES, stakeholders must collaborate efficiently through an energy management framework based on the Internet of Things (IoT). Demand Response (DR) is key to balancing energy demands and costs. This research proposes an edge-based automation cloud solution, utilizing Eclipse Arrowhead local clouds, which are based on Service-Oriented Architecture that promotes the integration of stakeholders. This novel solution guarantees secure, low-latency communication among various smart home and industrial IoT technologies. The study also introduces a theoretical framework that employs AI at the edge to create environment profiles for smart buildings, optimizing DR and ensuring human comfort. By focusing on room-level optimization, the research aims to improve the overall efficiency of SESs and foster sustainable energy practices.

Determinants of smart home adoption and differences across technology readiness segments

Smart home technologies (SHTs) encompass a wide range of products and services that fulfill users' needs and wants regarding the enhancement of the quality and comfort of their daily lives. Despite the pervasive impact of these technologies, SHT penetration is still growing at a relatively slow pace. A prominent reason of this might be inadequate understanding of the factors that motivate consumers to embrace SHTs. However, it is difficult to explain the adoption of SHTs with a replication of traditional adoption models due to differences in contextual factors. In addition, existing models solely use conventional adoption variables from the consumer perspective and exclude the business viewpoint. Hence, to fill this gap, initially, in-depth interviews with industry experts have been conducted and some predictive variables that were not mentioned in the literature have been identified. Consequently, these variables were used to enrich the existing diffusion of innovation (DOI) model and offer an extended SHT adoption framework. Based on this framework, value superiority, consumer protection, design & reputation, enjoyment, complexity, and compatibility have been extracted through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) as the dimensions of SHT adoption. However, the relative impact of these dimensions may be different for distinct consumer segments. To identify these differences and better design marketing and communication efforts, it is crucial to consider different characteristics of user segments and cohorts. For this purpose, users were classified into meaningful segments based on Technology Readiness Index (TRI) 2.0. Therefore, first, the TRI 2.0 variables were grouped into two categories as technology motivators and technology inhibitors after running another EFA. Based on these two dimensions, users were grouped under three segments after cluster analysis as Tech Savvies, Tech Yin-Yangers, and Tech Mediocres. Ultimately, the final objective of this research is to discover the differences among these segments in terms of their attitude toward and intention to adopt SHTs. Subsequently, independent regression analyses have been run to figure out the relative impact of the six dimensions of SHT adoption on attitude toward and intention to adopt SHTs for three different clusters. It is observed that there are significant differences among these segments that signal the vital importance of treating these consumer groups in distinct ways.

A framework for investigating the acceptance of smart home technologies: Findings for residential smart HVAC systems

We developed a framework to investigate the drivers for and barriers against adopting integrated smart home technologies to encourage broader adoption of these technologies that can significantly reduce the environmental impact of residential buildings. The framework entails an extension of the second version of the United Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) as the theoretical foundation for modeling acceptance behavior. The framework was validated by conducting an online survey of 1024 potential users focusing on smart home HVAC systems, utilizing structural equation modeling for analysis. The results demonstrated that three UTAUT2 constructs (i.e., performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and habit), as well as trust from the model extension, exert significant effects on the adoption intent. We also found that privacy and transparency are predictors of trust. Adequacy and customizability of interaction exhibited a strong effect on effort expectancy. The proposed framework can be adopted in future efforts to study the acceptance of other smart home technologies in a broader and more diverse demographic.

More-than-human practices of making and unmaking the smart home: A socioemotional investigation

This article examines the complex and dynamic practices in the smart home and how these practices are socially and emotionally engaged in daily encounters with different human and non-human actors, drawing on a 14-month autoethnography. Based on the investigation of my own experiences of setting up, using and getting rid of smart home technologies, this article develops a more-than-human understanding of the time-space of home. It concentrates on the significant role of the dynamic human-technology assemblage in the process of making and unmaking smart home and the social and emotional negotiations between the operation of smart home technologies, the doings of household relationship, and the management of the physical, virtual, and imaginative home. These findings may open new dialogues on the dynamic spatiotemporalities of the digital mundane. Ultimately, this research suggests future studies to develop a more embodied and emotional way and take the social and material links and transactions between home and the broader digital world to unravel how digital technologies are normalised and integrated into our day-to-day experiences.

Empowering homes with intelligence: An investigation of smart home technology adoption and usage

The increasing interconnectedness of the world, coupled with the proliferation of connected devices, networks, and intricate systems, has paved the way for unparalleled opportunities in automation and sophisticated digital transformation. This has also led to a global rise in the adoption of smart and intelligent technologies within the smart home market. Norway, being a technologically advanced country with digitally skilled citizens, presents a potential market for the widespread adoption of smart home technologies. However, there is a lack of research on the adoption of smart home technology (SHT), specifically in Norway. Hence, this study aims at investigating the factors that influence Norwegian consumers' intentions to adopt smart home technologies, as well as the diffusion of smart home adoption in the Norwegian market. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study gathered insights from both consumers and vendors through ten qualitative interviews and a survey with 100 participants over the period of seven months. The findings of this study provide empirical evidence supporting the significance of hedonic motivation, perceived price value, and social influence in relation to the use and adoption of SHT.

45 New eBook resource: the supportive memory guide—empowering you with practical tips and useful technologies

Abstract Background Part of the mPower programme (a Dementia Initiative in CHO 1) was to explore and create digital resources for People Living with Dementia and support community services. One of the projects led by senior Occupational Therapists in collaboration with HSE eHealth was the development of a practical resource eBook with education, practical advice and helpful assistive technologies. The aim was to create a digital resource that provides practical information and advice for People Living with Dementia, empowering them to make positive changes. Methods The eBook project commenced in January of 2022, the Occupational Therapists and the digital designer met twice monthly online to collaboratively develop relevant and practical content and advice covering key areas in dementia and daily living. The team provided a focus on assistive technologies and created short explanatory videos. The OTs researched and provided information on relevant apps for smart technology devices that support engagement and brain stimulation. The eBook was reviewed by the National Dementia Office, HSE digital and communications as well as Occupational Therapists and a focus group of People Living with Dementia which provided positive and helpful feedback. Results The eBook was completed and launched in February 2023 and covers a wide area of topics with practical advice to help people manage the impact dementia has on their daily engagement in activities and occupations. Assistive technologies, compensatory techniques, modifying activities, downloads and more are provided in the eBook. The topics covered include: Routines & Habits, Scheduling & Planning, Supportive Home Environments, Managing Medication, Simple Home Technologies, Smart Home Technologies, Smart Phones, Keeping Active & Engaged, and Links & Resources. Conclusion This eBook will be a valuable resource for People Living with Dementia and their families. It will be an additional tool for healthcare professionals in a time where waiting lists are high and where is some areas specialist services are limited.

Intra-Acting With Technology During Remote Fieldwork in Homes: Curating Video Interviews and Drawing Methods

The ubiquity of remote research practices and the increased adoption of videoconferencing tools are forcing researchers to pay attention to the features of these technologies and how they shape the research encounter. This article draws on experience from a Norwegian research project about digital vulnerabilities and living with smart home technologies. Participants were invited to draw floor plans of their homes, enact everyday routines, and perform a house tour on camera. By enacting collective memory work, reviewing, and discussing fieldnotes and other materials from the interviews, the authors have reflected upon experiences and identified lessons and implications for further research. Drawing on a socio-material approach that views digital technologies as active participants in enacting the research event, the article highlights how the presence of videoconferencing technology shapes the research situation and how data is generated. We show how videoconferencing tools can provide both access to and constraints on what can be done and who can participate and underline the importance of skills for both researchers and participants. We demonstrate how the handholding of the camera and the frame of the lens direct what is seen during a video interview, and how power dynamics between participants and researchers are shaped. We conclude that researchers need to be mindful of how agency is negotiated between technology and humans during remote fieldwork.

A Case Study of a Pilot Smart Home Monitoring System with Older Adults Living Alone in East Midlands

The aim of this project was to examine older adults and their next-of-kins’ experiences of using smart home technology. The technology unobtrusively monitors the older adult’s physical functional ability to undertake their daily activities at home. Using a case study approach, the participants comprised three family units: three older adults with a history of long-term co-morbidities and who lived alone, along with their next-of-kin (n=4). The older adults were all female aged between 72- 82 years of age, while the four next-of-kin were all females aged between 40 and 55 years of age. Participants experiences of using the smart home technology was evaluated at three- and eight-months post-installation via in-depth one-to-one interviews with the older adults and their next-of-kin. The older adults described how the smart home sensors reduced their levels of anxiety because they were ‘not feeling alone’. Likewise, their next-of-kin described how the sensors gave them an insight to their older relatives’ activities of daily living, as well as the challenges they experienced. The findings highlighted the benefit of smart home technologies in terms of helping older adults and their next-of-kin monitor their daily activities, reduce social isolation, and adopt positive health and behavioural changes. Keywords: older adults, home-sensors, functional ability, activities of daily living, intergenerational relationships

The Acceptance of Smart Home Technologies

The advancement of home automation technologies allowed the integration of systems for smart home implementation in the civil construction sector. However, the smart home's dissemination depends on factors that can enhance or hinder users' acceptance of smart home technologies. The article aims to identify the benefits and barriers users perceive that can interfere with implementing smart home technologies. The methodology utilized a systematic literature review using 122 articles in journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, IEEE, and Scielo scientific databases to gather barriers and benefits to smart home implementation. The literature mentions the benefits in the environmental, financial, and psychological categories as the main factors that potentiate the dissemination of smart home technologies. On the other hand, the barriers classified into the technological, ethical, and human categories have the major effect of hindering smart home implementation.

Empowering Independence: A Scoping Review on Innovations in Smart Home Technology for People with Motor Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities, particularly those with motor impairments, comprise a significant portion of the global population. smart home technologies have become a viable tool for improving their living conditions and promoting independence. This paper systematically synthesizes recent research on smart home technologies that enhance the living conditions of people with mobility impairments. Among the 27 studies reviewed, individuals with various mobility disabilities benefited from smart home technology, and independent living became more feasible. However, some limitations still exist, including the efficiency and convenience of wearable equipment, system sophistication, and generalization to a wider range of use. The findings of this study may inform the design of next-generation smart home technology for universal users.