University of Ulster scientists are taking part in a major new research project looking at how sensors and computer technology can be harnessed to help people with chronic conditions, such as stroke, heart disease or pain, to manage their lives more independently.

Ulster is part of a consortium of universities which has been awarded £2.3m from the prestigious Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for the four year ‘Self Management supported by Assistive, Rehabilitation and Telecare Technologies’ project, known as SMART2.

The technology developed by Ulster will be used by the other partners, namely Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre for Health and Social Care Research, University of Bath and the University of Sheffield to conduct trials as the project progresses. The consortium will collaborate with industry partners, Philips and BT, who will share expertise in telecare research, body worn sensors and tele-monitoring technologies.

The four strong Ulster team – Professor Norman Black, Dr Huiru Zheng, Dr Chris Nugent and Dr Paul McCullagh – is leading the consortium in the development of pervasive computer technologies to analyse activities of daily life in order to aid independent living and home rehabilitation.

The study enhances the School of Computing and Mathematics’ research in the areas of pervasive computing and health informatics, and follows on from the SMART1 project involving Professor Black and Dr Zheng which showed how technology could aid home rehabilitation for post-stroke patients.

Professor Black said: “Our role in the project is to develop the system which analyses all the information coming from the sensors and to provide meaningful feedback. It is fascinating work, as we aim to use all that data to create a kind of virtual therapist that changes and adapts to the information it receives. The rehabilitation specialist will work alongside the virtual therapist to adapt the programme to provide the best route possible to reaching the set goals”.

Research for the project will be undertaken within a new ‘smart’ environment constructed in the School of Computing and Mathematics.

This environment is made up of a kitchen and living room which will be kitted out with sensors and computer technology to record, interpret and feedback information to the person on routine tasks such as preparation of a meal, and their level of activity.

The technology deployed by SMART2 project lies at the heart of the next revolution in computing and health care, enabling data to be collected from sensors in the home and from devices worn on the body.

"Ultimately," said research team member Dr Chris Nugent, "SMART2 will lead to the development of ‘intelligent’ systems which can alert people when they need to change their behavioural patterns."

For further information, please contact:

David Young
Telephone: 028 90366074
Email: David Young