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GDI Hub, World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Assistive Technology

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Advances in Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence in its work on Assistive Technology

Development of a Machine-Reasoning System for Assistive Product Selection 

To support WHO’s efforts to advance assistive technology (AT) and its information seeking platform, the team bring the expertise of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to the field. Particularly, the team support the development of a machine-reasoning system for the selection of assistive products by contributing machine learning framework and user-centred design. As part of this work, the team have supported a series of in-depth technical assessment and reviews with an initial usability test. The team have also supported the validation of the system on its functionality, extendibility and integrability. 

Outputs and Publications 

  • Assistive Products Explorer Tool (AI Tool), (Coming soon) 

Researchers involved  

  • Dr Youngjun Cho 
  • Dr Aneesha Singh 
  • Wen (Frances) Mo
  • Dr Nicolai Marquardt

Supporting the TeleAT Initiative

Our team support the development of new digital solutions that optimise the benefits of available technology, especially mobile phones. In particular, TeleAT, a WHO Initiative focused on harnessing the optimum use of technology and available human resources to provide and maintain assistive technology at home. 

Outputs and Publications 

Researchers involved  

  • Dr Vicki Austin (Lead)

Advances in Digital Transformation for Prosthetic and Orthotics, including 3D printing

In partnership with the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics, GDI Hub lead a consensus-building process focused on the review of evidence on digital transformation methods for prosthetics and orthotics services. The consensus-building process draws on two sources of expertise: available literature and expert opinion. It aims to support the ongoing discussions within the prosthetics and orthotics community about the potential for, and concerns about, digital transformation linked to the manufacture of prosthetic and orthotic devices as well as the provision of services.  

Systematic Review of Digital Fabrication of Prosthetics and Orthotics Across all Device Types 

The team’s work involves a Systematic Review of the digital fabrication of prosthetics and orthotics across all device types. It will assess the state of evidence in device categories to inform the further development of these technologies in an evidence-based manner. This review is in its final stages before writing up and dissemination.  

Global Survey of Digital Fabrication 

It also includes a Global Survey of Digital Fabrication for prosthetics and orthotics which has been designed to be beta-tested with ten clinics. The Global Survey will be translated into a priority set of languages. It will provide a geographic mapping of current industry activity that is not captured in literature and therefore not available to decision-makers.  

Outputs and Publications

Researchers Involved

  • Dr Cathy Holloway
  • Dr Ben Oldfrey
  • Dr Mark Miodownik

Towards AI-powered for Dementia Care

The number of people living with dementia is increasingly growing. There are a range of ATs existing to support daily tasks and activities of people with dementia, such as memory problems, mobility, and communication. The recent advancements in AI and sensing technologies have been advancing the ATs toward the point where they can help people to self-track and monitor health and wellbeing. Our team take a lead on the initial development of the next generation AI technological frameworks for automatic detection of dementia cues, screening and self-care as well as support tools for health professionals.

Outputs and Publications 

Researchers Involved

  • Dr Youngjun Cho
  • Prof Cathy Holloway
  • Prof Nadia Berthouze
  • Mr Yukun Zhou
  • Miss Emilie Brotherhood