In another installment of CCC’s Weekly Computing News, we are sharing a technical tool to support the health and wellbeing of veterans and other vulnerable populations.
AI-enabled support for veterans
A team of researchers from Arizona State University, led by associate professors Nicole Roberts and Ming Zhao, is pioneering a project aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes for aging veterans using artificial intelligence and edge computing technologies. Veterans, who often face social isolation and health challenges due to their unique life experiences, are the focus of this initiative. The project, supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to develop a specialized AI system called EdgeCare. This system will operate on small, everyday devices like smartphones and smartwatches, using machine learning to monitor veterans’ health metrics and behaviors.
EdgeCare seeks to empower veterans by allowing them to input their health data and receive personalized recommendations for physical activities, memory exercises, and community engagements. The AI will also track changes in behavior that may indicate health deterioration, alerting caregivers or medical professionals early on for intervention.
The interdisciplinary team combines expertise in psychology, nursing, computer science, and human systems engineering to ensure EdgeCare meets the diverse needs of veterans. Researchers such as David Coon and Erin Chiou contribute insights into social and behavioral aspects of veteran care, ensuring a holistic approach. Chiou’s research on human-automation interaction guides the design process to make EdgeCare intuitive and user-friendly for veterans and their caregivers.
Beyond its immediate benefits to veterans, the project also aims to pioneer advancements in edge computing and AI applications for healthcare. Zhao’s team focuses on developing robust machine learning algorithms capable of real-time data processing, which is essential for providing timely and accurate health insights to users. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to improve healthcare outcomes within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and has received positive feedback from veterans eager to utilize new technology for better health management and community engagement.
This project emphasizes the potential of AI and edge computing to enhance quality of life by fostering proactive health management and social connectivity among vulnerable populations.
Read the full article here.
