Hoaloha Robotics is developing software and services to support new “socially assistive” robot designs that will help individuals manage basic day-to-day activities in the face of challenges that may come from disease, injury, or aging.
Instead of the unrealistic expectations suggested by the types of robots portrayed by movies and fiction, Hoaloha focuses on delivering pragmatic applications that extend and augment human capabilities to help enable individuals overcome cognitive and mobility limitations.
Beginning with features and functions already commonly included in today’s personal computers and adding autonomous mobility and a few additional components with innovative applications and a human-centric interface design, the Hoaloha design will not only take existing PC experiences directly to the user –wherever they are – , but also open up new ways for individuals to stay connected, informed, and entertained while improving safety and access to remote services.
The Hoaloha application framework will also provide integration of discrete technological solutions like biometric devices, remote doctor visits, monitoring and emergency call services, medication dispensers, on-line services, and the increasing number of other products and applications already emerging for the assistive care market. In addition, because the design is also based on wireless PC technology, the Hoaloha solution will provide a bridge to the existing digital and Web-enabled world.
Finally, at the heart of the Hoaloha design is its ”human-centric” user interface. Designed to leverage and integrate natural interface modalities like speech, vision, and touch technologies, its interface is designed to be socially interactive and easy to use.
When available, the Hoaloha Robotics platform will address several market concerns:
For the individual:
Deliver an integrated software interface, applications, and services that provide an easy, natural user interface for accessing information, entertainment, and other services that support greater independence and quality of life, including greater access to family, caregivers, and healthcare services, social networking, memory and mobility enhancement.
For family and caregivers:
Provide greater peace of mind knowing loved ones have tools that enable them to better self-manage their lives. In addition, it offers an added way to stay connected and respond to emergency conditions.
For healthcare providers:
Enable healthcare staff to provide more efficient healthcare and increase their ability to monitor, diagnose, and respond to patients needs.
For technology partners:
Speed innovation by providing a socially natural interface and technologies and services that enable hardware, software and service interoperability.