710662Assistive Smart Watch ApplicationsClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKFurther to previous work done as part of the CASA (Connecting Assistive Solutions to Aspirations) project which formed part of Innovate UK's Long Term Care Revolution, Alcove Ltd wants to include a wearable device in its suite of hardware and software being delivered as part of an integrated assisted living service. A watch, being the most typical component of a standard dressing routine could be a vital component of any service, provided appropriate installation, training, charging regime and maintenance. Numerous usability issues were raised further to discussions with older adults such as size, weight, strap mechanism, battery life, water resistance, aesthetics, cost, ease of use for those with sensory and manual difficulties, etc. Discussions with potential customers, both older adults themselves, family members and social care providers, highlighted the most desirable features. The main three features to be created as part of this project are emergency response or panic button, which would make an immediate call to a loved one or 24-hour monitoring centre; two-way voice call functionality to allow mobile communication with the person via their wrist (plus visual or haptic communication channels if hearing is poor); and ability to receive and acknowledge reminders via various sensory channels. Rather than create expensive proprietary assistive hardware, the Company is looking to develop bespoke software which can be used on the consumer "smart watch" devices which are coming to market apace at the moment. Samsung have led the charge with its Tizen software while newer entrants like Motorola and Sony are using AndroidWear. The created application will need to block the watch's other functionality and address problems such as false positives. Watches with the developed software will be trialled in a small scale demonstrator with up to 50 older and disabled adults living in a social housing extra care setting in partnership with East Thames Housing Group.