The Ostrava Technical University has created a "smart flat" to assist the elderly in aging in place and to make life simpler for disabled individuals. Researchers are currently putting the system through its paces with the aid of volunteers who will reside in furnished model flats while being constantly monitored.

At first look, the laboratory apartment appears to be no different from any other modern dwelling. Sensors are linked to every kitchen cabinet drawer, every appliance, every door, and a slew of other places, transmitting data back to the researchers.

Its current resident is David Oka, a volunteer student "lab rat" who has promised to stay in the flat for at least a month — alone.

The home care apartments are supplied with electronic medicine dispensers, timers, optically controlled spectacles, and a slew of other automated gadgets, according to Dr. Martin ern of the university's Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics.

David Oka, a student volunteer, will leave the laboratory residence at the end of the week, and researchers at the Technical University of Ostrava are already fine-tuning the system based on the data his activities provided.

Dr. ern says they are currently seeking for an elderly citizen to volunteer to live in the home care flat in order to have a better understanding of how the system satisfies the requirements of intended beneficiaries. It may also have an impact on the design of user interfaces for individuals with impairments.