Posted 03 July 2013
New research uses ICT to explore ways to assist independent living for senior citizens and patients
Fujitsu has launched a new research project to assist independent living and provide monitoring services for senior citizens and patients through ICT and health management.
The three-year collaboration with researchers from CLARITY and TRIL (which now form part of INSIGHT, the National Centre for Data Analytics funded by SFI) and the CASALA research group in Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) will collect data on study participants using sensors on clothing and around the home.
The Director of INSIGHT is Professor Barry Smyth from the UCD School of Computer Science and Informatics.
The KIDUKU Project will include data collection for several kinds of medical scenarios, including fall prevention and chronic lung disease.
Collecting data in this way will make it easier for information to be shared among senior citizens and patients and their family members, primary physicians and specialists.
“[Today’s] announcement that world-leading company Fujitsu is investing in industry-led research activity in areas targeted by the Action Plan for Jobs shows what is possible for Ireland in this area,” said the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD.
“The overall aim of this research is to enhance the care and empowerment of those living with a range of health conditions through the effective use of technology”, said Regina Moran, CEO of Fujitsu Ireland.
“Fujitsu Laboratories is very experienced in harnessing technology to deliver solutions to address human challenges and by working with medical experts and the three research organisations we will be creating a unique business opportunity in a market area that is estimated to have a world-wide value of €17bn by 2017.”
Tatsuo Tomita, President, Fujitsu Laboratories Limited added: “By bringing together the respective technologies and knowledge of each research institution, including Fujitsu Laboratories, I anticipate that we can generate substantial synergies. My hope is that, through this project, we will be able to make progress in resolving the issues we currently face on account of our aging society.”
Barry O’Leary, CEO, IDA Ireland said: “Fujitsu’s collaboration with three Irish research groups will significantly add to Ireland’s strong track record as a location for R&D investment in both the ICT and Life Science sectors.”
(Produced by UCD University Relations)
