Digital Companion for Chronic Disease Patient

It is estimated that 1/3 of people diagnosed with a serious, life-changing chronic illness or disease will experience symptoms of depression such as loneliness, sadness, isolation, and despair. As chronic conditions such as Type II Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease increase, the condition of depression rises commensurately. Compounding the circumstance, many people who suffer from chronic illness and depression remain isolated or homebound. Finding a solution in-home to alleviate depression can help these people achieve more positive health outcomes. This student team worked to develop a digital companion device (digital robot/pet, standstill device, Tamagotchi-like device, etc.) which would provide information and direction for helping this patient manage their condition (dietary, physical activity, medication management, emotional support, etc.) but more importantly, provide the patient with personified feedback that is customized to their unique needs as well as employing ML/AI to both learn (train) and remember. These were meant to be in the form of command -based and proactive interaction. The student team worked to build a robot that would ideally employ multiple output modalities such as voice, on-screen text and visuals, LED’s, movements, and sound effects, to create a more extensive and dynamic experience for the patient. The robot could also employ a personality (similar to chatbots) as well, creating a personal/customized connection with the patient. Anticipated outcomes this student team worked towards included: • Working prototype, end-user platform • Solution is accessible from smartphone or wearable • Name (personality) of tool • Drawings, schematics, plans for tool elements beyond physical prototype

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