New gizmos for seniors at Idea House
ELDERLY | Temporary robotic limbs in wearable suit might help stroke patients walk
A therapy-based entertainment system -- designed to encourage wellness and social connectedness that can help prevent memory loss -- will be among the new technologies to help seniors showcased in the Idea House, on display next week at McCormick Place.
"The Idea House will feature the best in universal design -- technologies that can improve older people's quality of life," said Larry Minnix Jr., president of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, which is sponsoring the exhibit.
"Chicago is on the national stage for the rollout of these products," he said.
The 2,600-square-foot home will display innovations intended to make it possible for more of the elderly to stay independent in their own homes.
Visitors can try out new gizmos, such as:
A security system that replaces the traditional peephole with a DVD screen.
A height-adjustable kitchen cabinet.
A height-adjustable toilet seat.
A dispenser that automatically organizes, reminds, dispenses and monitors an individual's medication use. The technology enables pharmacies to be notified when refills are needed.
A gaming system that provides 24/7 access to speech therapy through the television.
About 25 companies from across the country have contributed to the Idea House, including two firms from the Chicago area, PARO Robotics in Chicago and Freedom Outdoor Furniture in Sugar Grove.
About 90 percent of the products on display are on the market now.
Sustainable or green design features in the house include carpets made from post-consumer recycled content and furniture made from recycled plastic milk jugs.
Other new innovations in the Idea House:
With the automatic personal emergency response system, users' critical events are monitored, without them pressing a button, reported to EMS, and caregivers are immediately alerted.
Temporary robotic limbs, a wearable robotic suit (called Hal), is designed to multiply a person's strength by reading bioelectric signals that the person generates. The suit uses those signals to guide the movement of robotic limbs strapped to a person's arms and legs. With Hal's help, the AAHSA hopes that even stroke patients may be able to walk.
A robot is designed to serve as a substitute for live animal therapy.
The Idea House will be at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Admission is free, but visitors must register and receive a AAHSA House badge. The registration area will be in the lobby on Level 2. Visit www.aahsa.org.