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Communication difficulties can profoundly impact a person’s overall quality of life. However, most existing communication support systems are not designed for use while lying in bed alone, leaving a gap in assistive technology.

🔹 Introducing a Communication Support Solution for the In-Bed Scenario
In the scope of the APH-ALARM project, we developed a system specifically designed to support People with Communication Difficulties (PWCDs), particularly those with Aphasia, in bedroom settings.

✅ How does it work?

• A virtual assistant mediates communication between the PWCD and a caregiver by asking simple questions.
• The PWCD, wearing a smartwatch, can answer with gestures recognized using machine learning.
• Based on these responses, the system generates and sends messages to the caregiver.
• Information is presented to the PWCD through multiple output modalities to maximize understanding and accessibility.

💡 Why does this matter?
This system has the potential to significantly improve quality of life by:
✔️ Increasing the sense of safety and autonomy of PWCDs.
✔️ Providing caregivers (formal and informal) with peace of mind and reducing their burden.

By leveraging AI, wearable technology, and multimodal interaction, we are taking a step towards more inclusive and accessible solutions for those who need them the most.

Authored by: Ana Patrícia Rocha

In collaboration with: Fábio Nunes, Afonso Guimarães, Luís Santana, Ilídio C. Oliveira, José Maria Fernandes, Miguel Oliveira e Silva, Ana Rita S. Valente, Samuel Silva, António Teixeira

Supported by: AAL (Active Assisted Living) Programme, Co-financed by the European Commission through the H2020 Societal Challenge: Health, demographic change, wellbeing; FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology): Project APH-ALARM, IEETA

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