Invited talk: Virtual coaches in health care

Summary form only given. With health care costs raising astronomically and the number of aging increasing, there are not enough economic or human resources in the way of care givers to meet society´s needs. A confluence of technologies including miniature electronics, digital communications, human-computer interaction, robotics, and machine learning makes possible the creation of intelligent assistants that monitor and communicate with users, understand their needs and goals, and compensate for diminished capabilities as we age or suffer a disability. This talk will highlight some of the results from the Quality of Life Technology Center (a NSF Engineering Research Center) in creating virtual coaches that monitor user activities providing reminders and advice to reach personal and caregiver goals.