STEM II
During STEM II, we are put into groups of four or five to design and develop an assistive technology device that addresses a specific community need or problem. Throughout the process, we focus on the manufacturing component of making the device, as well as its documentation, presentation, and marketing aspects.
Problem Statement
Individuals diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) often struggle with memory, judgment, and spatial awareness. These cognitive challenges increase their risk of injury or wandering into unsafe areas. Existing solutions for ensuring their safety often rely on internet connectivity or caregiver monitoring, limiting autonomy and real-time responsiveness.
Design Approach
Proposed designs for this device include a haptic feedback wearable device, which provides physical alerts when a user approaches a tagged object, but this is unsuitable due to the harsh nature of vibrational haptic feedback and the requirement of close proximity for RFID activation. The second proposed design was an LED and app feedback system, which offers visual alerts and app-based caregiver notifications. However, visual cues can be missed and can cause confusion for the user, and smartphone dependence limits accessibility of the product. The third proposed design is the most suitable and feasible for this project. As a voice warning module with caregiver audio, the device will utilize geofencing with an ESP32 module to play calming, pre-recorded caregiver messages when users approach unsafe areas. This solution provides emotional familiarity and intuitive redirection without startling the user, aligning with both cognitive and emotional needs of FTD patients. Being fully offline, discreet, and promoting safety are additional benefits of the device.