AUTONOMOUS

AUTONOMOUS is a digital solution designed to support people living with dementia in completing meaningful daily activities safely and autonomously. It runs on a smartwatch and smartphone, complemented with ambient sensors. AUTONOMOUS integrates AI into existing technologies and uses tailored and ad hoc cues to help people perform daily tasks by providing information on steps that must be taken or skipped to ensure the correct, enjoyable, and safe completion of the tasks. Initially, AUTONOMOUS acts as a silent companion, respecting users’ agency while learning from their behaviour and surroundings. As dementia progresses, it becomes more proactive, offering real-time support and instructions customised to the preferences and needs of the individual in a non-stigmatizing manner. The system also aims to prevent emergencies, reduce hospitalisations, and minimise the need for costly medical interventions.

About the team

Associação Fraunhofer Portugal Research is a non-profit private research organisation. It brings together experts from social sciences, computer sciences, and design research to develop interdisciplinary approaches and explore new frontiers to address complex and nuanced challenges. Witnessing the daily struggles of family members with dementia has been a driving force behind their pursuit of an adaptive, user-friendly solution to help meet people’s daily needs.