Smart habitat for aged persons: Improving working and domestic environments to increase positive life experience

By 2050, the number of people in the EU aged 65 and above is expected to grow by 70% and the number of people aged over 80, by 170%, which will increase demand and costs for healthcare. Integrating ICT solutions into domestic habitats will allow the elderly to remain in their family home and continue to contribute to work, be active and productive for extended periods, managing cognitive and or physical limitations.

The project will investigate ways in which smart technologies can assist aged persons in both working life extension and active retirement. This will be achieved through smart textile products that integrate into everyday objects, such as domestic upholstery and garments. This will generate valuable data captured through embedded sensors in materials such as fabrics that are discretely part of designed wearables and furniture, such as clothing and the upholstered interior.

A good understanding of e-textile design and related techniques, as well as experience of working with sensors will be expected of candidates.

Entrants must have a first/undergraduate Honours degree, with an Upper Second Class or a First Class grade, (in Art & Design; Product Design, Textiles, Engineering Design). Entrants with a Lower Second Class grade at first degree must also have a postgraduate Masters Degree at Merit or Commendation.