01 TOMORROWTODAY Developing the technologies, methods and tools of tomorrow
Ambient Assisted Living (AAL): A boost for good ageing AIT focuses on cutting-edge technology and innovative approaches to support elderly people in their everyday lives. Smart assistance and motivation are the motto. (Read more on page 32)
Editorial
Michael Hlava Head of Corporate and Marketing Communications, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further queries: michael.h.hlava@ait.ac.at
Photos: Peter Rigaud c/o Shotview Photographers; contrastwerkstatt
Tomorrow Today in Austria Innovativ Tomorrow Today, the customer magazine for the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, has accompanied Austria Innovativ for many years. It has been published four times a year, providing information on AIT’s activities and successful projects for our customers. Since AIT continues to generate an increasing amount of research output, we have decided to report on projects from all our departments in even more detail. Tomorrow Today will therefore be published six times a year from now on as an integral part of Austria Innovativ and will provide compact information about ongoing projects with a high customer value. AIT will continue its successful cooperation with Austria Innovativ, one of Austria’s most renowned magazines in the field of innovation. Its readership includes the entire research community and Austria’s most innovative companies and leading businesses, which also constitute our customer base. We are looking forward to continuing on our path of providing up-to-date information from AIT for our customers and readers. Find out first-hand about the latest research results from AIT and the benefits they bring. n
TOMORROWTODAY
Focus on Performance & Success
In this edition of Tomorrow Today, we will be reporting on R&D projects from the Departments of Mobility, Energy, Health & Environment, Innovation Systems and Digital Safety & Security – and the benefits they bring to your customers.
Symposium „EDST 2015“
Call for Papers ‘From pilot projects to marketable smart-grid solutions’. This is the theme of this year’s ‘International Symposium on Smart Electric Distribution Systems and Technologies’ – EDST 2015, which will take place from 8 to 11 September at Techgate in Vienna. The symposium organised by AIT is a get-together for the worlds of research and industry and will discuss the latest developments and approaches to marketable smart-grid solutions. The deadline for submitting contributions is 1 March 2015. www.edst2015.org n
Research cooperation
Personalised medicine using biomarker research AIT is collaborating with the new K1 competence centre ‘CBmed’ at the Medical University of Graz. The aim of biomarker research is to identify diseases before they manifest themselves so that diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart attack can be treated on an individual basis. AIT has longstanding experience in biomarker research and also participates in the recently launched CBmed competence centre for biomarker research at the Medical University of Graz. “CBmed is of great significance for us as a beacon of biomarker research,” says Michaela Fritz, Head of the AIT Health & Environment Department. “We will be applying our long-standing expertise in omics technology and bio-informatics”. The aim of CBmed in Graz is to develop new products for clinical application based on biomarker research. The partners of the K1 centre, which will have access to 17.4 million euros of funding by 2018, also include the medical universities of Graz and Vienna, Graz University of Technology, the University of Graz and Joanneum Research. n
High-tech research and measuring vehicle
Motorcycle probe vehicle A KTM 990 has been transformed into a research motorcycle by AIT and Vienna University of Technology.
AIT has so far used cars and trucks to test transport infrastructure, road safety and vehicle-pavement interaction. ‘MoProVe’ (‘Motorcycle Probe Vehicle’) is the first motorcycle used for this purpose. In cooperation with the Vienna University of Technology, a KTM 990 SMR was transformed into a high-tech research and measuring bike featuring a camera system, steering angle sensors and acceleration sensors. The research motorcycle is now being used to analyse driving dynamics based on driving behaviour and interaction with the road infrastructure. The results will be compared with those obtained from car and truck testing and then incorporated into road planning recommendations (such as curvature and transverse gradients) and proactive road safety systems. n
Photo: AIT
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Innovation Systems
AIT and Ă–AW are advising Parliament on how to assess and devise technological developments Austrian Parliament is seeking dialogue with the world of science. Together with AIT and the Institute of Technology Assessment (ITA) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Ă–AW), parliamentarians are developing a basis for closer collaboration in the fields of foresight and technology assessment. The first stage will involve evaluating international examples of scientific policy advice for parliaments. One key aspect in this context is the investigation of options to involve citizens in the consulting and decision-making processes. The development process involves all of the parliamentary groups and parliamentary administration. n Modern technology policy is social policy because big data, biotechnology and Industry 4.0 will fundamentally change society. Parliaments should therefore be the most important institutions when it comes to devising the framework conditions for future technologies in the long term. Drawing on our foresight methods and expertise about the various future expectations and development options, we can support Parliament and parliamentarians in decision making. Petra Schaper-Rinkel, Senior Scientist, AIT Innovation Systems
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TOMORROWTODAY
Focus on Performance & Success
Maseltov project
Mobile apps for successful integration How can we use technology to support migrants in everyday situations and acquiring linguistic and social skills to promote their integration in their new homeland? This was the key question posed by AIT experts in the EU Maseltov* project. The starting point for the project was international study results which Tailor-made ‘apps’ are deshowed that supplies of teaching signed to support migrants materials, courses and contact cenin their everyday lives. AIT was involved in developing tres often failed to ensure that mia mobile assistance system. grants had the relevant expertise at their fingertips at the right moment – whether at work, while out shopping or in emergency situations. AIT played a key role in developing and evaluating a new integrated mobile assistance system for this purpose. With over 10 apps available, migrants now have the chance to network better and access information in a fast and straightforward manner. These apps include an emergency assistance system, an (augmented reality) pedestrian navigation system, a social networking service, an app for learning the language of the host country, an educational game to learn about cultural differences and an information service to provide support with finding a job. The results will be presented at the Maseltov final conference, which will take place in March in London. maseltov2015.joanneum.at n * Mobile Assistance for Social Inclusion & Empowerment of Immigrants with Persuasive Learning Technologies & Social Network Services
The Maseltov project developed mobile services in close collaboration with migrants based on their actual requirements. Useful findings emerged in terms of design and interaction as well as methodological developments in cross cultural design and experience research. Stephanie Schwarz, Scientist, AIT Innovation Systems
Mobile vibration generator
Shaking MoSeS
The mobile ‘MoSeS’ vibration generator helps to solve technical construction issues.
Have old buildings or bridges enough resistance against seismic loads? Do vibrations induced by vehicles on road or rail networks have a negative impact on neighboring buildings or people? If any such questions emerge, MoSeS is called in. This ‘Mobile Seismic Simulator’ developed by AIT is a hydraulic vibration generator which transfers controlled vibrations into the soil or buildings. “The measured data provides information about vibration and earthquake risk,” says AIT Senior Engineer Alois Vorwagner. MoSeS is currently being used in tramway construction projects in Graz and the greater Linz area. n
Photos: AIT
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The location of interfering transmitters in satellite communications can be simply and securely identified using methods based on the mathematics of quantum physics. Martin Stierle, Head of Business Unit Optical Quantum Technology, AIT Digital Safety & Security
Satellite communications
Quantum algorithms help detect interference Using a new algorithm inspired by the mathematics of quantum physics, it has become much easier to locate sources of interference in satellite communications. The new method has been developed by AIT and Siemens Convergence Creators.
Satellite communications is increasingly faced with the problem that signals are received on lease frequencies which should really be unoccupied. The reason for this is often that technicians simply forgot to cut the satellite link. Previously, the source of such signals (which interfere with other signals) could only be identified using two adjacent satellites: communications engineers used the Dopp ler effect and compared the signal receiving times to draw conclusions about the approximate location of the interfering transmitter. AIT, led by quantum information scientist Ian Glendinning, has now teamed up with Siemens Convergence Creators to develop a new method which eliminates the need for using a second satellite. Inspired by the mathematics of quantum physics, the project team developed an algorithm which derives a clear signature from the interfering signal received at the ground station. This can then be compared with thousands of known signal signatures stored in a database. If there is a match, the system issues the location and name of the signal source. n
print.PV project
Photos: Siemens Convergence Creators GmbH, 2015 mit Sitz in Wien; Crystalsol; AIT
Photovoltaic cells from a printing machine print.PV: PV film can be produced quickly and cost-effectively using printing machines, based on novel thin-film technology.
A new technique will make it possible to produce up to 40 m of photovoltaic film per minute. Novel thin film technology promises to produce efficient PV cells in a fast and cost-effective manner. The innovative approach is based on a method patented by the Crystalsol company which is collaborating with AIT in the ‘print.PV’ research project. “The key innovation is a light-absorbing semi-conductor powder which can be applied to film using rotary printing,” says Christoph Mayr, Head of the Photovoltaic Systems Business Unit. The aim of the research is now to further advance the technology so that 40 m of photovoltaic film can be ‘printed’ every minute, generating new and cost-effective possibilities for building-integrated photovoltaics. print.PV is funded by the Climate and Energy Fund and the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology. n
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Ambient Assisted Living (AAL)
Smart Assistance & Motivation AIT is focusing on the latest technology and innovative approaches to support older people in their everyday lives and motivate people of all age groups to pursue a healthy lifestyle.
Ambient Assisted Living
Due to increases in life expectancy, the percentage of over 65 year olds in Europe’s population will double to around 30 % by 2050. Most of these older people want to live independently within their own four walls for as long as possible. AAL technologies (AAL = Ambient Assisted Living) play a key role in this respect, i.e. ageappropriate assistance systems integrated into the living environment to support residents in carrying out everyday tasks. AIT is developing innovative AAL solutions with its partners from the worlds of research and business in order to tackle the huge challenge of demographic change and has become a national leader in the field over the last few years. This pioneering role is emphasised by AIT’s management of the first Austrian AAL test region in Burgenland and the appointment of Michaela Fritz, Head of the AIT Health & Environment Department, as president of the AAL Austria association. “This innovation platform brings together all of the relevant stakeholders in Austria, from research companies to technology providers and care institutions, in order to disseminate AAL solutions to a broad market and make them widely acces sible,” says Senior Expert Advisor Andreas Stainer-Hochgatterer, who is responsible for coordinating the working groups and heads the AAL Vision Austria working group. AIT has also become a well-regarded player at an international level as reflected by its involvement in large-scale European initiatives such as the AAL Joint Programme, the COST innovation network and some 20 international R & D projects.
The AAL-Austria innovation platform is designed to disseminate AAL solutions to a broad market and make them widely accessible.
Photos: iStock.com; AIT
Andreas Stainer-Hochgatterer, Senior Expert Advisor, AIT Health & Environment Department
Virtual assistant with emotional intelligence One of these European projects is ‘Miraculous Life’, which is managed by AIT and involves the development of a virtual assistant to help older people in their everyday lives. “In ICT applications, the issue of user interface design is of key importance,” says project coordinator Stainer-Hochgatterer. “The challenge is to ensure that the technologies are easy-to-use for the target group, many of whom are not very familiar with using computers. Alongside usability, it is also very important to make communication with the user as realistic as possible”. During preliminary projects, researchers found out that the most pleasant and engaging situation for the target group was to speak to a person directly, even if this person is ‘only’ virtual. The project therefore aims to develop a ‘Virtual Support Partner’ with which the elderly person can communicate and interact just as with another person. The most striking characteristic of this ‘avatar’: he or she (the gender and ap pearance can be individually adapted at a later stage) can recognise the state of mind of its counterpart and react individually.
The “Miraculous Life” project, which is managed by AIT, aims to develop a virtual assistant with emotional intelligence to help older people in their everyday lives.
But how can this be achieved? “We use various channels to achieve so-called ‘emotion recognition’”, explains Stainer-Hochgatterer. “The camera on a tablet used to communicate with the Virtual Support Partner pinpoints the emotional mind-set of its conversational partner using facial recognition algorithms. Tone of voice also says a lot about mood and, if required, the gestures or general activity of a person can also be analysed using a Kinect camera”. All of these sources of information are then linked together to create an overall impression of a person’s emotional state. Reassuring or motivating As soon as the virtual assistant has identified the person’s mood, it draws on psychological theory and the practical experience of care personnel to react accordingly. The computer-animated figure, based on the latest 3D technology, does not speak in a monotone voice of the kind used by navigation systems; instead it adapts its intonation and speed of speech as well as its facial expressions and gestures to the emotional state of its counterpart. “If the person in front of the screen appears chaotic and restless, the assistant will try to calm them and if the person appears lethargic or depressive, the assistant can encourage them to register for a specific leisure programme for elderly people,” says Stainer-Hochgatterer. This outlines the job description of the virtual assistant: its primary role is to help elderly people make better use of health, support and leisure services – this may range from reminding them of medical appointments or taking medication to encouraging registration for specific leisure offers. An initial trial version has already been tested at two assisted living institutions in Holland and Switzerland. The feedback was very positive and has generated useful input for the prototype which should be completed this year before being tested in prac tical settings for another year. “We are optimistic that our positive expectations will be confirmed in practice,” says Stainer-Hoch gatterer who also acts a Thematic Coordinator for Ambient Assisted Living at AIT. This optimism is justified, as the first project review by the European Commission in Brussels was a resounding success. ➞
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their data with like-minded people via the social networks. This game-based approach is designed to bring about a lasting change in behaviour and encourage all age groups, from school children to amateur athletes and elderly people, to lead a healthy lifestyle. If required, vital data such as weight and blood pressure can also be included in the analysis, thereby enabling medics to compile tailor-made treatment plans.
Lower Austria Future Award: (from left) Dr. Christian Milota (Managing Director of NÖ Landesakademie), Mag. Bernhard Lackner (Board Member of NÖ Versicherung), Dr. Manfred Wieser, MSc (cardiologist and sport medicine specialist), Provincial Governor Dr. Erwin Pröll, DI Helmut Leopold (Head of AIT Digital Safety & Security Department), Mayor LAbg. Mag. Alfred Riedl (Grafenwörth)
➞ High-tech health initiative AAL can also be used in health prevention to motivate people to pursue regular physical activity and thereby prevent chronic illness. In its projects, AIT is therefore reaching out beyond the home environment and appealing to younger groups than just the 65+ generation. One such example is the ‘Grafenwörth bewegt’ (Grafenwörth moves) project, which was presented with the Lower Austria Future Award last November. The project combines the latest ICT solutions and telemedicine technologies to encourage the local population to take more exercise in the fresh air. Experts from the AIT Digital Safety & Security Department worked in cooperation with the Austrian companies TAGnology and SimpliFlow to de-
Broad application to bring momentum to the market “The activities planned as part of the project represent a reference and test environment for future application concepts. The deve lopment of applications for a large group of participants and the broad-based implementation of this technology are unique at an international level,” says Drobics. The general strategic approach is to make new AAL solutions quickly and easily accessible to broad sectors of the population and to involve future users into the development process from the outset. With projects like ‘Miraculous Life’ and ‘Grafenwörth bewegt’, AIT contributes to establishing a market for these promising technologies at a national and inter national level. n
Running routes: The ‘green’ 2 km route is designed as a ‘town lap’. The ‘blue’ route is approx. 5 km long and links two villages. The ‘red’ route measures over 10 km and links three villages. Only the ‘black’ route is a ‘community’ route, leading through all of the villages of the community as well as serving as a training route for marathon runners. The 21.1 km route is the length of a half marathon. Two routes have been designed for inhabitants of the SeneCura social centre. They can be completed with minimal physical effort and are also suitable for wheelchair users, too.
The activities planned as part of the project represent a reference and test environment for future application concepts. Mario Drobics, Senior Scientist, AIT Digital Safety & Security Department
velop intelligent fitness pillars which were then installed along various running routes in the community of Grafenwörth. “People from all age groups can register at these stations using an electronic chip in the form of a bracelet and access their performance statistics, such as kilometres covered or route times, via an internet portal or public terminal,” says Mario Drobics, project manager and Thematic Coordinator for Active & Assisted Living at AIT. Users therefore gain direct feedback about their progress and can share
Phtos: Grafenwörth; AIT
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