CTA Foundation Announces Cognitive Computing Research Study with IBM
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM Foundation
announced at CES
2016 an initiative in collaboration with IBM that will research how cognitive
computing can provide better information to help transform the lives
of the world’s growing aging population and persons with disabilities.
This research project will explore how cognitive computing can redefine
the relationship among humans, technology and the environment around us,
allowing family members, doctors and caregivers to proactively monitor
the health and well-being of the aging population with the onset of
physical and cognitive disabilities.
The goal is to provide the entire ecosystem – from device manufacturers
and software developers to healthcare and social services providers –
with a broader perspective on how cognitive-powered systems can help
transform the way information is delivered and create an optimal balance
among accessibility,
privacy and security.
The project will examine how “in home” technology such as mobile, smart
home appliances, robotics, and wearable devices could enable easier
daily routines, such as proactive alerts about medications, reminders
about exercise, and dietary recommendations. It will study the potential
of using predictive analysis based on room temperature, home
electricity, and heat and water consumption patterns to provide improved
home monitoring, as well as understand how current weather conditions or
traffic patterns can impact an individual’s social activities.
In the United States there are more than 47 million people age 65 or
older, and 10,000
Baby Boomers will turn 65 every day for the next 15 years. According
to the United
Nations, these numbers will continue to grow and by 2050 nearly 22
percent of the global population will be aged 60 or older (compared to
12 percent today). This change in demographics will create societal and
economic challenges as nations struggle with increasing costs of
healthcare and decreasing numbers of caregivers.
“We are excited to work with IBM as we identify how new and emerging
technologies will fundamentally change the way we age or manage
disabilities in the years to come,” said Larry Richenstein, chair of the
CTA Foundation. “By raising visibility about how technology can empower
seniors and people with disabilities, we can help reduce social
isolation, promote wellness and enhance independent living.”
Frances West, IBM’s Chief Accessibility Officer, said, “Cognitive
computing provides incredible potential to help the aging population
improve their lives by making more personalized and nuanced decisions
about their health and well-being. The CTA Foundation is ideal to engage
on this project with their history of focusing on aging and disability
issues, and their strong relationships and experience working with their
technology industry members. Together, we can help broaden awareness of
the ways cognitive computing will improve the interaction between humans
and computers.”
Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM
– formerly the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, CES is the
world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer
technology. CES 2016 runs January 6-9, 2016, in Las Vegas, NV, and
features more than 3,600 exhibitors unveiling the latest consumer
technology products and services across the entire ecosystem of consumer
technologies.
About CTA Foundation
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation is a public,
national foundation affiliated with the Consumer Technology Association.
It was established with the mission to link seniors and people with
disabilities with technologies to enhance their lives. The Foundation is
focused on strategic support of programs to impact these communities and
has launched its first series of grants in 2012. It also serves
to facilitate dialog between industry, consumers, government, advocacy
groups and other key stakeholders around important issues. For more
information on the CTA Foundation please visit CTAFoundation.tech.
About Consumer Technology Association:
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, formerly Consumer
Electronics Association (CEA)®, is the trade association
representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More
than 2,200 companies – 80 percent are small businesses and startups;
others are among the world’s best known brands – enjoy the benefits of
CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical
education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering
of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns and produces CES®
– the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of
consumer technology. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA’s industry
services.
Contacts
CTA Foundation
Steve Ewell, 703-907-7660
sewell@CE.org
www.cta.tech/foundation
