Project insights

The CO-HUMANICS project (Co-presence of Humans and Interactive Companions for Seniors; www.tu-ilmenau.de/co-humanics) aims to develop innovative technologies that make it easier for older people to maintain social contacts and actively participate in social life.

As part of the work package Evaluation, Media Psychology and Media Design Group invites all peope who are over the age of 60 and interested in technology to participate in the development process from the very beginning. For more information on how to participate, please see our project flyer:

TU Ilmenau

We thank the participants for their support of the CO-HUMANICS project and their commitment. We are continuously looking for more interested people over the age of 60 who would like to participate in the CO-HUMANICS studies in Ilmenau. Just get in touch with us via co-humanics@tu-ilmenau.de.

The scientific results of the work package Evaluation can be found here.

Ongoing and completed studies

Study on requirements for innovative technologies (completed)

Between May and October 2022, 30 people between the ages of 60-74 were interviewed as part of an interview study on innovative technologies. Participants spoke about their current experiences with modern communication technologies and requirements and wishes for a future augmented reality (AR) system and a telepresence robot. These requirements will be implemented in later phases of technology development.

The innovative technologies were discussed using visual scenarios that show how an AR system and a telepresence robot can be used for communication between grandparents and their grandchildren. The animated-style scenario visuals are deliberately colourful and bold to make them easy to understand and not intimidating. They were pre-tested with members of the target group and technology experts.

Although not all older people are grandparents, previous research has shown that the use of innovative technologies in grandparent-grandchild communication is very common and is perceived as very plausible. This example was therefore selected for the visualisations. However, other contexts of use (e.g. with other relatives, friends) were also discussed in the interviews.

User test of the first robot prototype (completed)

A group of 14 women and men aged 61-75 were the first to test the prototype of a telepresence robot developed in the CO-HUMANICS project. During the user tests (December 2023), the participants had the opportunity to navigate the robot while searching for "hidden" objects in the living lab. They also carried out robot-mediated communication with a partner.

The results of the user tests will enable further development and customisation of the telepresence robot prototype to promote the social integration of older people.

User test of the first AR system prototype (completed)

At the beginning of February 2024, 16 men and women aged 60-78 were invited to the TU Ilmenau laboratory to try out the first prototype of the AR communication system developed. Participants had the opportunity to wear a modern AR headset, meet a friendly avatar, have a short conversation with it and even try to shake its virtual hand.

The feedback from participants will be used to refine the system prototype and gain insights into the potential of AR to support the social lives of older people.