Objectives - The eSchwechat initiative considers the whole town of Schwechat as a "living laboratory", where new ICT devices and services can be tried out under real life conditions in an ethically sound way. Initially the main emphasis was given to establishing working cooperation between the main partners: senior citizens, local centre for senior citizens, the Ceit Raltec Research Institute, city authorities and local companies. A major emphasis is on user input to design the device creating a totally interactive approach.

Details - Three Research projects are being carried out:
- User-centred development of a minimally intrusive wireless monitoring and guidance system based on distributed sensor modules connected using zigbee.
- Development of an instrumented shoe sole equipped with sensors to detect and prevent falls of older persons.
- Development of an interactive touch screen based phone system for older persons.

The Prototype Shoe designed to detect potential falls in seniors

Results - Most of the results reported so far have been very general and have been reported as follows;
- The deep involvement of elderly users and carers is bringing significant additional information. Especially in the mid-term and long-term perspective this is very promising.
- The approach allows to cooperatively discuss and develop solutions in the crucial areas of ethics, data protection, and balancing users’ wishes for Privacy & Security with their wishes to benefit from new technical aids making their life at home safer and more comfortable even in their old age.
- Based on the positive preliminary findings in the AAL Living Lab in Schwechat the current activities are extended from the centre for senior citizens also to mobile service providers in the municipality.

References

The 'Living Lab' in Schwechat