CARA
01. Introduction
The CARA and CARA 2 projects aimed to support older adults in maintaining safe and independent mobility by leveraging advanced vehicle technology. The primary focus was to develop digital applications that could monitor driving behaviours, assess psycho-cognitive factors, and ultimately extend the driving lifespan of older adults. Both projects targeted the development of innovative services to help older adults maintain safe driving habits and, through CARA 2, to translate these concepts into marketable solutions.
02. Summary of the project aims and objectives
CARA Project (2018)
The main goal of the CARA project was to develop a digital solution for older drivers to monitor their driving style and receive personalised feedback to enhance safety. The project aimed to maintain older adults’ ability to drive safely and independently for a longer period.
CARA 2 Project (2019)
Building on the outcomes of CARA, the CARA 2 project aimed to further develop the concept into a market-ready product. The focus was on understanding safety and mobility challenges among older adults, addressing user acceptance, and refining the product for practical use.
03.Product development and key features
The SelfTest is a digital tool that evaluates psycho-cognitive skills crucial for safe driving, including memory, reaction time, and concentration. It features five modules, each designed to measure a specific cognitive factor in a non-stressful environment. The test can be taken at home, allowing users to self-assess and receive feedback on areas for improvement.
MyCoach
- Developed during CARA, this tool was adapted and used in other applications.
MyRoad
- Initiated in CARA 2 but discontinued due to insufficient technological maturity.
04. Partners
CARA Project
- F2S2 (Belgium)
- EURAG Austria (Austria)
- JESCO Auto Training School (Belgium)
- KBO-PCOB (Netherlands)
- Paris Lodron University Salzburg (Austria)
- SD-Insights (Netherlands)
CARA 2 Project
- F2S2 (Belgium) [coordinator]
- EURAG Austria (Austria)
- JESCO Auto Training School (Belgium)
- KBO-PCOB (Netherlands)
- Paris Lodron University Salzburg (Austria)
- SD-Insights (Netherlands)
- NEOS (Belgium)
- Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit (Austria)
- 50PLUS (Austria)
05.Impact on participating in an AAL project
Key Takeaways
- AAL funding was pivotal in bringing the SelfTest to market, as private investment in road safety technologies is limited.
- Collaboration among mobility experts, senior organisations, and technology developers enhanced product relevance.
- The project provided a quality assurance stamp, raising product credibility and visibility, particularly through the European Excellence in Road Safety Award (2023).
06. Main learnings from developing a solution through an AAL project
Marketing and regulatory insights
- Gained expertise in aligning product features with user expectations and regulatory demands.
- Understood the importance of geographic adaptation for diverse markets.
- Improved strategies for user acceptance and commercialisation.
Organisational impacts
- Enhanced capability to develop practical solutions in mobility safety.
- Strengthened F2S2's role as a provider of innovative social solutions.
07. Impact on networking and collaboration
Building partnerships
- Diverse consortium brought together businesses, universities and senior organisations, fostering a multi-faceted approach to product development.
- Networking with public and private stakeholders has continued beyond the project, albeit at a lower intensity.
08. Perceived benefits of participating in AAL Support Actions
- Participation in AAL2Business provided crucial financial sustainability insights, helping to identify potential revenue models and business channels.
- Attending the AAL Forum facilitated knowledge sharing and strengthened the consortium’s visibility.
09. How AAL supported development and market adoption
User involvement
- The programme emphasised engaging end-users, leading to better product acceptance and practical feedback for improvement.
- Accelerated the product's technological readiness through targeted funding and structured support.
10. Challenges encountered
- Market Barriers: Difficulty in attracting private investors for mobility safety products.
- Financial Sustainability: Challenges in developing a viable business plan.
- Technological Maturity: Some solutions, like MyRoad, were not ready for market adoption.
- Cultural Barriers: Resistance from public stakeholders in adopting innovative safety solutions.
11. Actions needed to launch the product
- Strengthen partnerships with public stakeholders, especially in road safety and healthcare sectors.
- Increase awareness of the product’s social value among target audiences.
- Secure long-term funding to support ongoing development and maintenance.
12. Next steps
Target end-users
- Primary: Older adults aiming to maintain safe driving capabilities.
Commercial Strategy
- Engage public authorities as primary paying customers, leveraging the award recognition to build partnerships.
- Expand geographical reach to include Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.
- Continue promoting the SelfTest as an essential tool for maintaining mobility and independence among seniors.