eWare
01. Introduction
The eWare project aimed to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia and their informal carers by integrating advanced lifestyle monitoring with social robotic technology. The project combined the expertise of two technologies:
- Tinybots - small, AI-driven robots that offer reminders, social cues, and guidance to help users maintain theirroutines and manage daily tasks.
- Sensara a lifestyle monitoring system that uses motion sensors and open/close sensors to detect behavioural changes in older adults, particularly those with dementia.
By doings, eWare creates an integrated solution that supports independent living and reduces the burden on caregivers.
02. Summary of the project aims and objectives
eWare Project (2017)
The primary objective of the eWare project was to develop a comprehensive digital ecosystem to monitor lifestyle changes and provide social interaction support through robotics. The project aimed to address the challenges faced by dementia patients and their carers by integrating Sensara’s lifestyle monitoring with Tinybots’ social interaction capabilities. The solution sought to facilitate remote care, reduce stress for informal carers, and improve communication between formal and informal care networks.
03. Product development and key features
Main Product: eWare eco-system The eWare eco-system integrates two main components:
- Lifestyle Monitoring (Sensara): Uses motion sensors and open/close sensors to detect behavioural changes, enabling continuous lifestyle monitoring.
- Social Robotic Technology (Tinybots): Provides interaction and guidance for dementia patients through robotic assistance, prompting them with reminders and social cues.
The combination of these technologies offers a unique solution for remote care, helping older adults maintain their daily routines while allowing caregivers to monitor well-being from a distance. The product is expected to be launched within the next year.
04. Partners
The eWare project involved 11 partners from multiple countries:
- VILANS (R&D, Netherlands) [Coordinator]
- Sensara B.V. (SME, Netherlands)
- Tinybots B.V. (SME, Netherlands)
- ZZG Zorggroep (End-user, Netherlands)
- INRCA (R&D, Italy)
- Universita Politecnica delle Marche (R&D, Italy)
- JEF S.r.l. (SME, Italy)
- terzStiftung (End-user, Switzerland)
- NTNU (R&D, Norway)
- ASCOM (Large industry, Norway)
- Stjørdal Kommune (End-user, Norway)
05.Impact on participating in an AAL project
Key Takeaways
- The AAL project successfully brought together Tinybots and Sensara, leading to a unique integrated solution that combines lifestyle monitoring with robotic assistance.
- The project fostered collaboration between diverse partners, promoting innovation by integrating scientific, business, and end-user perspectives.
- Participation in the AAL Programme enhanced visibility and gave the product a ‘stamp of approval,’ increasing credibility in European markets.
06. Main learnings from developing a solution through an AAL project
Organisational impacts
- The project emphasised the importance of adapting to varying European markets, acknowledging that no single solution fits all contexts.
- Partners gained insights into integrating social robotics with monitoring systems, which was crucial for the product’s technical refinement and market readiness.
- The project highlighted the value of cross-national collaboration in addressing cultural and regulatory differences.
07. Impact on networking and collaboration
Building partnerships
- The project established lasting partnerships between technology providers and care organisations, particularly fostering the ongoing collaboration between Tinybots and Sensara.
- VILANS maintained strong relationships with both research and end-user organisations, facilitating continuous development and refinement of the solution.
08. Perceived benefits of participating in AAL Support Actions
- AAL2Business workshops were valuable for partners to develop sustainable business models and address practical commercialization challenges.
09. How AAL supported development and market adoption
User involvement
- The involvement of diverse partners ensured that the solution was both technically feasible and user-centric.
- Regular interaction with end-users allowed for product adjustments, making the final solution more acceptable and relevant.
- The AAL Programme facilitated time-to-market acceleration through structured funding and support.
10. Challenges encountered
- Market adaptation: Navigating different cultural and regulatory environments posed challenges, but AAL funding helped mitigate risks associated with innovation.
- Commercial readiness: Bridging the gap between prototype and market-ready product required continuous iteration and integration.
- Financial barriers: Securing long-term investment and convincing care insurers of the product’s value were ongoing challenges.
11. Actions needed to launch the product
- Develop targeted strategies for market entry in the Netherlands, followed by expansion to Asia (Taiwan and South Korea).
- Enhance the product’s platform integration for greater adaptability and user engagement.
- Increase collaboration with care insurers and health organisations to secure sustainable funding models.
12. Next steps
Target end-users
- Primary: People living with dementia, their formal and informal carers.
- Secondary: Care organisations, alarm centres and insurers interested in innovative remote care solutions.
Commercial Strategy
- Strengthen partnerships with health insurers and care providers to ensure stable revenue.
- Launch the integrated product in the Netherlands within the next year and expand to international markets, particularly Asia.