CALI's approach to fostering assisted living innovation
is to identify relevant research across disciplines, geographical borders, and any other divisions that limit the flow of knowledge. Our research mission is to make the connections and fill the gaps, either directly or through a research affiliate or consortium. We will also promote synergies by serving as a central information source and clearinghouse.

Our research will focus on developing product and service innovations incorporating intelligent assistive technology, and integrating these innovations within solutions that can be delivered broadly and affordably to people with disabilities.

Research Overview

Assistive technology can be divided into three broad application areas: living environments, work environments, and transportation. Research is ongoing in all of these, either specifically, or as part of related research initiatives into smarter homes, smarter buildings, transportation systems, and other environments.

Background Research

Major effects of aging population Critical obstacles to independence (e.g., physical and cognitive debilitation, lack of assistance resources, lack of transportation alternatives) Major issues impacting quality and cost in assisted care facilities and services (e.g., caregiver costs and scarcity; operational inefficiencies) Health and safety concerns of all Assisted Living stakeholders

Applied Research	Applicable Area	Examples
-1- Living Environments (includes residential, healthcare, recreational, communal and public settings)	- Assisted living   communities - Private   residences - Healthcare   facilities - Recreational   facilities - Commercial   establishments	- Built in, retrofit and   portable transfer   devices incorporating   robotics and artificial   intelligence (AI) - Prefab modular living   units - Intelligent independent   mobility and transport    systems and access   (incorporating robotics   and AI) - Senior and disabled   communication and   computing systems and   access (incorporating   intelligent agents and   alternative interfaces) - Automated intelligent   monitoring - Automated, remote   medication (e.g.,   Internet connected)   dispensing - Biomechanical   identification,   sensory,   and orientation devices
-2- Work Environments	- Workspace - Productivity	Same as Above
-3- Transportation	- Private - Public	Intelligent, adaptive transportation and access systems