Smart Home; Safe Home

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3-year full-time or 6-year part time PhD project.

The PhD will be based in the School of Computing and will be supervised by Dr Richard Curry.

The work on this project could involve:

• applying the latest Artificial Intelligence and Data Fusion techniques to real world data
• developing a prototype system that could become a commercial product in the future

Project description

Research shows that autistic adults would like to live independently but few do. Similarly, their carers would like them to live independently but are concerned over their wellbeing. Our research shows that carers’ main concerns revolve around safety (i.e., leaving appliances on), knowing the physical whereabouts of the autistic person and whether they are keeping to their routine activities of daily living (ADLs). The same research shows that autistic people also would like to be reminded to carry out routine tasks. This research has been confirmed in meetings with Autism Hampshire.

The Smart Home; Safe Home project aims to demonstrate that people can be prompted to carry out these ADLs and that their completion and the safety of the person with autism can be monitored using practical and affordable non-wearable technologies. 

So far the kitchen of a conventional 3 bedroom maisonette has been fitted with low-cost, networked sensors giving wide coverage of the room and the working surfaces to ensure all activities can be recorded. A pilot study with neurotypical adults has 1) tested the validity of step-by-step task instructions for complex ADLs such as light meal preparation and 2) generated data which can be analysed using computer vision and machine learning techniques to automatically monitor a person’s progress through the tasks and provide alerts if necessary. Not only will such a system ensure the safety of the individual but demonstrate to carers areas where the individual is either coping or not coping with daily living.

The next stage of the project is to devise sensor systems appropriate to other ADLs and other locations in the house.

General admissions criteria

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Specific candidate requirements

Familiarity with the concepts of smart technology and assistive technology. Good numeracy and programming skills.

How to Apply

We encourage you to contact Dr Richard Curry ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code below.

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Health Informatics PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process. 

When applying please quote project code:COMP7540423