Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) based applications are increasingly impacting on processes in different domains of life, including information gathering, education, work, mobility and health care.

AI driven assistive solutions can be powerful alleys for people with disabilities and older adults living independently with some support of formal and/or informal caregivers. Such care and support ecosystems involve personal relationships based on confidentiality and mutual trust and the technology that is adopted to strengthen the ecosystem in reaching higher outcomes in terms of quality of life should reflect and protect those values.

As generally acknowledged, the advancement of AI brings opportunities and risks at different levels, which need to be carefully analysed and managed. In order to allow choice of solutions, correct information is needed, especially targeting the directly involved, their informal caregivers and, seen the huge societal challenges, the general audience.

The promoter of this session, the Artificial Intelligence for Home carers-project consortium, is engaged with the challenge to develop and provide correct information regarding AI based applications that enhance the quality of life of those living with some care and support delivered in the home environment.

Invitation for contributions

In the Special Thematic Session AI in Care and Support Ecosystems we welcome presentations addressing the issue of the role of AI in facilitating better care and support to persons with disabilities and older adults living at home.
Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Studies into the ethical, safety and security aspects related to the use of AI based technologies in care and support services and settings.
• Studies into the digital competences (attitudes, knowledge, skills) of actors in care and support ecosystems.
• Guidelines and tools for the implementation of existing AI based innovative solutions for better planning, delivering and monitoring care and support.
• The evaluation of AI based assistive solutions for improving the quality of life of older people living with support.
• Programmes and resources that increase competences of caregivers using technology in their caregiving role.

Chairs

AI4H Consortium:

Riccardo Magni, Pragma Engineering, Italy, riccardo.magni@pragmaeng.it

Evert-Jan Hoogerwerf, AAATE, Austria, hoogerwerf@aaate.net