An artificial intelligence companion is being developed which is hoped to aid the memory recollection of people living with dementia.
The new technology, labelled the ‘Agent-based Memory Prosthesis to Encouraging Reminiscing ‘ (AMPER) project, is being developed by researchers at the National Robotarium which is hosted by Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh.
Most current rehabilitative care methods use physical aids like repetitive reminding techniques where as the AMPER project will look to use a different user-centered approach which will focus on personalized storytelling in order to try and bring patient’s memories back to the surface.
Dr Mei Yii Lim, project founder and experienced memory modelling researchersaid: “AMPER will explore the potential for AI to help access an individual’s personal memories residing in the still viable regions of the brain by creating natural, relatable stories. These will be tailored to their unique life experiences, age, social context and changing needs to encourage reminiscing.”
In partnership with the University of Strathclyde, researchers at Heriot-Watt University have been granted £450,000 in funding by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council which is part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
In addition to this the National Robotarium is part of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative which has received support by £21 million from the UK Government.
The programme is also supported by a £1.4 million sum from the Scottish Government which forms part of the £1.3 billion 15-year investment in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
Professor Ruth Aylett, the National Robotarium said: “One of the most difficult aspects of living with dementia can be changes in behaviour caused by confusion or distress. We know that people can experience very different symptoms that require a range of support responses. Current intervention platforms used to aid memory recollection often take a one-size-fits-all approach that isn’t always suitable to an individual’s unique needs.”
“AI technology has the potential to play a pivotal role in improving the lives of people living with cognitive diseases. Our ambition is to develop an AI-driven companion that offers patients and their caregivers a flexible solution to help give an individual a sustained sense of self-worth, social acceptance and independence.
“Through projects like AMPER, we’re able to highlight the many ways AI and robotics can both help and improve life for people now and in the future. At the National Robotarium, we’re working on research that will benefit people in adult care settings as well as across a wide range of other sectors that will make life easier, safer and more supported for people.”
Once the technology has been fully developed it will be available for use through a tablet-based interface making it more cost efficient and more accessible.
