Additional Smart Tech

Delivered March 30th, 2018. Contributors: Rosalind R., Annette R., Nyaingo J., Kiersten M., Paige R., Ashley N., ChristineD, Deleted U. and

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Additional Smart Tech- Home

The required additional five home care smart technologies were found and listed in the attached spreadsheet under the tab “Home Care”, in rows 12-16, columns B-E. The five smart technologies identified are vacuum robots, smart speakers for device control, smart thermostats, smart curtains, shades or blinds, and smart washing machine. All information regarding the technologies’ name, how it works, the companies that make them, and how the technology helps disabled people to be more independent has been documented in the attached spreadsheet. 
Findings
— Vacuum Robots: This is a home-cleaning robotic device that vacuums dirt off any flat surface. Various models work effectively on carpets and can maneuver themselves to avoid obstacles by using motion sensors and detectors. The latest models are designed to learn the area of the house, so as to avoid cleaning the same spot more than once. Vacuum robots can also be programmed to work on a certain schedule along with features that allow the user to customize cleaning options. 

— Smart Speakers for Appliance Control: Smart speakers help users to give commands and control various appliances and smart devices in the house using their voice. For some smart speakers like Amazon Echo, users would have to download an app for their smartphones. With the help of the accompanying app, users would be able to control their devices when not at home. These devices have an array of microphones that are designed with high sensitivity to detect the lowest sound of the user's voice, this includes external disturbance like environmental noise and music. 

— Smart Thermostat: The smart thermostat allows a user to control the temperatures of the house remotely using an app on the smartphone, tablet, or PC. The device lets a user have full control over in changing the central heating system. In case of a thermostat for a water heater or boiler, the smart device can be connected via WiFi and an accompanying app which allows the user to not only control the temperature but can also send signals to switch it on and off after the water is heated to the customized value. 

— Smart Curtains, Shades or Blinds: Smart curtains, shades, and window blinds are designed to open and close according to their programmed schedule based on the changes in the environmental temperature or light. These devices can also be controlled with an accompanying app that can be downloaded on the user's smartphone. This allows the user to control the window blinds of their house even when they are not at home. 

— Smart Washing Machines: Smart washing machines are now being designed with WiFi features that enable the user to connect the machine's interface with their smart device (smartphone, tablet, desktop) by using a smart washing machine app. With the help of the internet, users will be able to control the different cycles/washes using the app when at home or away. 
Conclusion
To wrap up, the five additional home care smart technologies have been identified and documented along with their details in the attached spreadsheet, in rows 12-16, columns B-E.

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Additional Smart Tech- Medical

We have identified five smart medical technologies and listed three companies that sell devices. These five technologies are smart pill bottle and cap, location/wandering prevention, vital sign trackers, medical alert watch, and talking thermometer. The attached spreadsheet contains detailed information on each of the smart medical devices.
Smart Pill Bottle & Smart CapThe bottles have a cap that alerts when it's time to take the pill.  Some bottles illuminate when it is time to take them and some flash an alert and beep if the time was missed. They also connect via Wi-Fi and send emails and text message reminders to take the pill as well as alert caregivers if pills are missed.

How it will help — This offers people with disabilities that are unable to remember to take their pills an option. They can get email and text message alerts as well as the bottle flashing when to take it and a red flash and beeping if they miss it. It can also alert a caregiver of missed events. This is a helpful reminder to them and to help keep them well.

Three companies that provide the service:
1. Pillsy 
2. Adheretech 
3. LiveFine
Location/Wandering PreventionThis will help locate those that may have Alzheimer's, Dementia, or Autism and have wandered off from their location.  The devices are enabled with GPS tracking and also can connect to law enforcement programs for tracking.

How it will help — This offers people with Alzheimer's/Autism, etc and their families a safe feeling if they were to wander off and get lost.  The devices have GPS tracking for being able to locate where the person is and some connect with law enforcement software. 

Three companies that provide the service:
1. Angel Sense
2. Care Trak
3. Eyez On
Vital Sign TrackersThe device systems are worn by patients and can track with GPS and trace and monitor vital health signs. These can be heart monitors, blood pressure monitors, or all vital sign tracking. The device can send messages to the caregiver if vital signs are in alert status.

How it will help — This offers people with disabilities a way to have their pulse, heart, blood pressure, and other vitals monitored by health care professionals to make sure they can get help immediately if needed. 

Three companies that provide the service:
1. Helo Smart
2. Nokia Withings Blood Pressure Monitor
3. AliveCor Heart Monitor
Medical Alert WatchThese are GPS enabled devices to track the location of the person.  They have emergency buttons that allow you to talk with emergency personnel if you are having a medical emergency. It's easy to use and can be worn as a watch or a bracelet and some convert into necklaces.

How it can help — This offers people with disabilities the comfort of knowing someone will help them in case of a medical emergency.

Three companies that provide the service:
1. QMedic 
2. VEESAG 
3. Medical Guardian
Talking ThermometerThe talking thermometer will measure and announce temperature. The device will store information and can handle multiple languages. This will assist patients and caregivers with necessary health information.

How it can help — This is an infrared, talking thermometer that measures and announces temperature. It has a large screen light up display and will announce in multiple languages. It will also store information for caregivers to see at a later time.

Three companies that provide the service:
1. Maxi Aids
2. Eco4Us 
3. Advocate 

Please see the attached spreadsheet for technology and company details. 

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Expanded Data- Home and Household Smart Tech

I have provided the requested information on tabs "Home" and "Household Maintenance" of the attached spreadsheet. 

Below is an overview of my methodology and findings.
METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGSI used the existing products, companies and sources provided to find the additional information requested. Since different companies manufacture the products listed on the spreadsheet, I had to examine them individually and compare them against one another to determine their unique features and the distinct technologies for each. In cases where there were huge variations in technologies, I mentioned them all under the innovation column. For instance, for navigation purposes, some vacuum robot cleaners use smart laser technologies, others use 360° cameras, while others use infrared technologies. 

Using the aforementioned methodology, I was able to find the requested information about the subcategories for each smart device, its applicable technology area, and the innovation provided in each of the discrete technologies. Most of the home care technologies are from the "assistive technology - physical applications" area, with "house maintenance" innovations being more diverse. You can access all the information on the 'Home Care and House' tabs of the attached spreadsheet. 

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Additional Smart Tech- Food

Per your request, I have identified five additional smart technologies which, either by design or by coincidence, assist people with disabilities with concern to food management. For the purposes of this request, food management refers to the purchasing and storage of food, preparation of meals, and maintaining a healthy diet in accordance with any dietary restrictions. 

In follow-up to the previously completed response on this subject, I have identified five additional technologies in this area. It was difficult to find five smart technology around food, so I've included food and eating related tech like flatware designed to help users with tremors eat more easily, apps which remind users when to eat or drink water, a continuous glucose monitor which reminds users when to eat a small snack to maintain a healthy blood glucose level, cooking tools which track cooking times and temperatures, and a smart fork which monitors how much and how quickly users are eating. 

You will see a deep dive of these findings, including names of companies producing the technologies and how each of them can assist users with disabilities in maintaining their independence, on the attached spreadsheet. 

For each technology, I have endeavored to identify three to five companies currently making and selling the device. In two cases, I was only able to identify one company, as each of the technologies is quite new and only recently approved by the FDA. This has been noted in the appropriate cells of the attached spreadsheet.

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Additional Smart Tech- Money

Wonder researchers compiled five technologies that can aid people with disabilities in managing their money: object recognition, prosthetics, gesture recognition, voice recognition, and gaze recognition. These technologies are offered by a range of companies, including Amazon, Google, Nantworks, Prosthetics in Motions, and more. While some of these technologies translated directly into money management, most of what we found enables users to navigate technology in ways similar to able-bodied people, therefore allowing them the same opportunities to use money management tech aimed at the general, able-bodied public. While we have inputted the information as requested into the client's spreadsheet, we will breakdown in the next few paragraphs the specific sourcing for each item for the client's convenience.

OBJECT RECOGNITIONHow the Technology Works: Object recognition allows robots and AI programs to identify and interpret objects in the real world. 

Companies: Google and Microsoft are among the companies working in the area. Nantworks has also created NantMobile, which connects the physical and digital worlds using visual and audio recognition.

How it Helps: Apps like the NantMobile Money Reader can instantly recognize currency and speak the denomination, enabling people with visual impairments or blindness to quickly and easily identify and count bills.

PROSTHETICSHow the Technology Works: Prosthetics can now be integrated with computer technology to allow for complex and delicate operation, handling physical cash.

Companies: Prosthetic companies include Bionics & Prosthetics, Medical Center O&P, and Prosthetics in Motion. Thalmic Labs' armband Myo enables a person to control computers by reading the electricity produced by skeletal muscles and sending these signals wirelessly via Bluetooth the device. Prosthetics in Motion specializes in high-performance solutions including the Genium Prosthetic Knee, C-leg, Bebionic hand, Michelangelo, and i-Limb. 

How it Helps: These technologies allow users to handle bills, coins, and other money management tools in the physical world in delicate and precise ways. 

GESTURE RECOGNITIONHow the Technology Works: Gesture recognition acts as a touchless user interface. It creates a mathematical interpretation of human motion to which the technology then reacts. 

Companies: This technology is currently being created by many companies, including Qualcomm Technologies, Intel Corporation, Crossmatch, Google, Apple, and others listed on the spreadsheet. These technologies can be integrated into smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices. The Sesame phone interprets the user's head movements so that the user can engage with third-party apps they may otherwise have been unable to use. 

How it Helps: Disabled users can use gesture recognition to control money management apps, regardless of the app's accessibility options.

VOICE RECOGNITIONHow the Technology Works: These can be used for small, personal devices or on larger scales of home-control using smart speakers like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Echo Dot.

Companies: Google (Google Assistant), Apple (Siri), Amazon (Alexa), and Microsoft (Cortana) have truly cornered the market here. They make the bulk of consumer-accessible voice recognition software. 

How it Helps: Disabled users can gather information on banks, stocks, and investments, as well as operate money management apps to some degree. 

GAZE RECOGNITIONHow the Technology Works: Gaze interaction and recognition requires movement of only the eye itself, making it a perfect solution for those with rehabilitative diseases. 

Companies: These companies include Tobii Assistive Technology, EyeTech Designs, SMI, Iscan, and LC Technology. EyeTech specifically designs algorithms, hardware, and software for eye tracking systems used in speech devices. LC Technologies created the Eyegaze Edge, which uses Pupil Centre/Corneal Reflection to interpret eye movements. 

How it Helps: These technologies have been used by people such Stephen Murray, former BMX Gold Medalist, to run businesses from home, which brings with it the implication that it can be used for money management due to its relation to running a business. These technologies are also becoming more affordable.

FINAL NOTESWhile some of the technology listed does not have direct influence on money management, all of them enable users with different disabilities to interact with technologies that may or may not have accessibility options. With object recognition, bionic prosthetics, gesture recognition, voice recognition, and gaze recognition, users can engage with real and virtual currency and money management tools to take charge of their finances.

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Additional Smart Tech- Personal

We have added an additional five assistive smart technologies to the personal care tab of your spreadsheet. These technologies can be found in rows 13-17. These five technologies are as follows: smart body analyzers, smart shades/blinds, automatic toilet seats, personal care reminder clocks, and stabilizing utensils. 

Below, you will find an overview of our findings. 
METHODOLOGY In order to locate findings for your spreadsheet, we began analyzing precompiled lists of smart technologies geared towards personal care. In some cases, these technologies were not designed specifically for the disabled. Therefore, for some technologies, we made some assumptions regarding the way the technology could be beneficial to the disabled and their independence. 

For each technology we identified, we surveyed the market for the technology in order to identify several companies who produce the technology. In the case of stabilizing utensils, we were only able to locate two companies that made the stabilizing utensils that were electronic. Our research findings suggested that there are other stabilizing utensils on the market, but these rely on the use of weights rather than electricity/smart technology, therefore we have not included those examples. 

We have included our findings in your spreadsheet, which you can access here. Below you will find a brief overview of the technologies included in this spreadsheet. 
Smart Body AnalyzerThis technology functions as a smart scale that can measure a disabled person's weight, BMI, heart rate, and other bodily conditions. The results can be automatically uploaded to the users smart device. 
Smart Shades/Blinds This technology automatically rises and lowers blinds. Some versions can be controlled using an app. 
Automatic Toilet Seat This technology relies on motion sensors to automatically rise and lower the toilet seat cover when an individual approaches the toilet or leaves the toilet. 
Personal Care Reminder ClockThis clock can be programmed with numerous alarms that can remind an individual to perform tasks throughout the day, such as taking medication or when to eat a meal. 
Stabilizing UtensilsThese utensils are designed for individuals who have tremors and have trouble feeding themselves with traditional silverware. 
CONCLUSIONIn closing, we have added an additional five assistive technologies to the personal care tab of your spreadsheet. These technologies can be found in rows 13-17. 

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Expanded Data- Food and Safety Smart Tech

Food and safety smart technologies involve the use of innovative functions to make life more convenient for disabled people. Food smart technologies examples include the following innovative functions: (1) smart flatwares that can help counteract tremors in order to enable those with mobility issues to take in their food properly; (2) MIT's app that can provide a recipe based on submitted food pictures; and (3) reminder apps that can automatically alert users on when to do the required health-related actions. Some of the safety smart technology applications for disabled people are the following: (1) activity-based trackers that can provide remote information on the location of a person and send alerts as needed; (2) smart canes that can alert and send calls to relevant people if a user has fallen; and (3) fire alarms that can send inaudible alerts such as light flashes and vibrations.

The required subcategories, technology areas, and innovative function data for all the indicated smart technologies for disabled people are summarized in the linked spreadsheet within the food and safety tabs, columns F to H only.

CONCLUSION

Food smart innovative technologies for the disabled include the following: MIT’s recipe-generating app, smart flatware to counteract tremors, and reminder apps that can send alerts for health-related actions. In the realm of safety smart technologies for those with disabilities, a few examples are the following: (1)activity-based trackers that can remotely provide a person’s location; (2)smart canes that can alert concerned people if the user has fallen; and (3) fire alarms that can send non-audible alerts. All the required information for this research are in the linked spreadsheet within the food and safety tabs, columns F to H only.

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Additional Smart Tech- Household Maintenance

We have identified 5 additional smart home technologies that will assist the disabled. These five technologies are smart home locks, smart thermostat, water monitoring and leak detection system, smart blinds/shades, smart air filters/purifiers. We have provided 3 companies for each of the services. The attached spreadsheet contains details on each technology and the companies that provide the service. 
Smart Home LocksSmart home locks pair with the Bluetooth on the phone for giving instant access with a touch of the button on the phone.  This will help with the safety of being able to lock doors, yet give access instantly to those coming in to help or giving the disabled access with having to put keys in the lock and open it. 

How it will help- The locks pair with telephone and can be opened with one touch of the device.  It will help disabled let in a nurse or caregiver or will allow them to enter the phone without having to have keys or have to manually unlock the door.

3 companies that provide the service are:

1. August Smart Lock 
2. Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth 
3. Schlage Sense Bluetooth 
Smart ThermostatWhen the temperature is too hot or too cold and you aren't able to get out of bed or wheelchair to go to the thermostat, the smart thermostat can be controlled from wherever you are at. You can adjust the temperature from the phone while in the house or while out somewhere else so it will be cool (or warm) when you get home.

How it will help- If it's too painful for someone to get out of bed to go and change the temperature, they can use a Bluetooth app and change the thermostat from right where they are. They also feature big displays for those who have sight disabilities.

 3 companies that provide the service are:

1. Ecobee Thermostat                                                                 
2. Nest Learning Thermostat
3. Honeywell 
Leak and Flow Monitoring SystemThis is a device that is connected to the water line under the sink and it monitors water flowing and checks for leaks, clogs, and can help save money on costly repairs with early leak detection.

How it will help- If will help identify leaky faucets, alert the user to clogs, water-related issues, and help save money on costly repairs. The disabled will not need to find a way to get under the faucets to determine if there is a leak. They can look right on their app, know right away, and call a repairman.

3 companies that provide the service are:

1. Meet Flo                                
2. Hydropoint 360                                                            
3. Water Hero, Inc
Smart Blinds/ShadesBlinds can be controlled by an app on iOS/Android/Google Home/Alexa.  It will draw the blinds shut without having to manually do this.  This will save on energy consumption, keep the cool or the heat in, and help the disabled by touching a button.

How it will help- The disabled will not have to move out of the chair or bed to pull the shades closed to block out the sun or keep in the heat or cool air.  The blinds work with an app on any iOS or Android device and on Google home and Alexa.

3 companies that provide the service are:

1. Slide                                                                                      
2. My Smart Blinds                                                              
3. Hunter Douglas
Smart Air Filters/PurifiersKnowing when your air filters need to be changed can save time and money. With the app, you can check at any time and know when filters need to be changed. It monitors air flow and usage, keeps track of the type of filter so you can reorder easily. The smart purifier keeps the air clean and lets you track air quality and is Bluetooth enabled for monitoring and making changes from anywhere.

How it can help- The disabled would have to climb up and pull out the air filter to know if it was time to be changed.  Now with the app, they can monitor air quality as well as know when the filter needs to be replaced, and the app will even help them with what filter they need for ordering. 

3 companies that provide the service are:

1. Filtrete                                                                                        
2. Smart Air                                                                   
3. Holmes Smart Purifier
ConclusionIn Summary, we have provided 5 smart technologies that will assist the disabled in managing their home.  We have then provided 3 companies for each of the technologies.  Please see the attached spreadsheet for details on the technologies and the companies. 

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Expanded Data- Medical Smart Tech

I have updated the spreadsheet to include the information for columns F-H (the subcategories: "Technology Area" and innovations) of each of smart technologies listed in the Medical tab for rows 7-11.  Additional rows were being added to the spreadsheet by another party during editing; but as the sourcing data provided for this request did not provide information on the new entries, these rows were not included in my report. 

In order to complete the spreadsheet as directed, I reviewed company product information from the examples provided within the spreadsheet. Using this information I was able to determine the categories, components, and innovations provided by each type of smart tech listed.

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Expanded Data- Money and Personal Smart Tech

The extended data information requested for the smart technologies of smartwatch, budget app, banking app/websites, automatic bill payment, scanner, electric toothbrush, external thermometers, smart bidets, touchless technology, and alarm clock has been found and documented in the attached spreadsheet under the tabs “Money” and “Personal Care” in columns F-H. 
Money
— SmartWatch: It has numerous smart functions including recording vital body signs like heart rate. It is designed as a phone extension to show notifications from calendar, messages or calls. It responds to voice commands as well.

— Budgeting Apps: They are designed to relieve stress in keeping track of finances on paper and makes the software portable. They also provide connectivity between different smart devices (tablet, PC, smartphone). Users have the ability to create their own category, set alerts, make payments, and record all transactions. 

— Online Banking and Bank Apps: The applications are designed to show the user the entire contact information for the payee rather than just the payments made. The contact info available will enable the user to get in touch with them with a press of a button (click-to-call option). Apart from the usual username and password entries, people can use biometric verification for better security. The apps update the user's credit score on a monthly cycle. 

— Auto Bill Pay: It allows users to make automatic payments from a credit card and a checking account. It allows various types of payment transactions, like auto loan payments, mortgage payments, electric bills, credit card bills, etc. 

— Scanners: These electronic devices use light beams to scan documents (unbound pages), business cards, magazines, photos, books, etc. The innovative feature is an automatic document feeder (ADF) which can scan large stacks of paper without needing supervision.
Personal Care
— Electronic Toothbrush: It provides thorough cleaning as the battery-powered device provides over 7000 units of rotational oscillation movement in a minute. For fast movements, sonic toothbrushes are used and for lower noise level, ultrasonic toothbrushes can be used. 

— External Thermometers: With the help of thermoresistors, these devices provide accurate measures of temperature. It can transmit data to a range of 100 feet and can be programmed to sync with the user's smart devices to obtain notifications/alerts and other information. 

— Smart Bidet: It provides automated flushing, deodorizing, and lid operation. With the help of the latest technology like the actlight technology, UV light is used to purify the porcelain immediately after it is used. Motion activated seats are programmed to lift up as the user approaches. It also has multi-user database. The core functions of this device can be controlled using a remote control with an easy-to-use interface.

— Touchless Hygiene: Sensors are used to activate the dispensers and other equipment automatically. Touchless hygiene products use sensitive motion sensor technology to save both energy and water. 

— Alarm Clocks for Hearing Impaired: Innovative features include extra loud volume (113db) with vibration option, flashing lights and a large display specifically for people with hearing impairment. 
Conclusion
To wrap up, the requested information has been documented in the attached spreadsheet under the tabs “Money” and “Personal Care”, in columns F-H.