Transportation Assistant for the Cognitively Impaired

Koronis Biomedical Electronics proposes to develop assistive technology for individuals with cognitive impairments to facilitate their mobility with greater confidence and safety in urban settings. The proposed project will develop and evaluate the utility of a cognitive aid that takes advantage of the computing power and GPS location determination capabilities of inexpensive powerful third-generation (3G) cell phones to provide location-sensitive transportation assistance. The goal of this cognitive aid is to compensate for memory and other cognitive disorders via reminders or memory cues offered through an interface tailored to the individual. Software will be developed for mobile devices to provide location based reminders, mistake detection, and remediation allowing individuals with cognitive impairments to utilize public transportation systems more effectively and efficiently. New relatively inexpensive 3G cell phones combine the capabilities of ordinary cellular phones and powerful miniature handheld computers. Individuals with cognitive disabilities are often unable to operate an automobile and rely upon public transportation systems to maintain independence. Yet public transportation systems can impose significant challenges to individuals with cognitive impairments. The proposed cognitive assistant will aid users by utilizing ubiquitous cell phone technology as the foundation of an advanced assistive device after the installation of the navigator software.