Conceptual models provide a theoretical basis for advancing scientific knowledge and improving professional practice. Although numerous assistive technology-related models have appeared in the literature, there has been no systematic effort to assess them. Six conceptual models are reviewed here: Cook and Hussey's Human-Activity-Assistive Technology model; the World Health Organization's Intern...

Many assistive technologies, although designed to enhance quality of life, become a headache for users. Price, fit, and comfort level are chief assailants in the total acceptance of certain assistive technologies – for many AT users, “one size fits all” doesn’t. By utilizing software developed to integrate Microsoft Kinect, openSCAD, and MakerBot 3D printers, we strove to develop a system inten...

Providing elderly and people with special needs to retain their independence as long as possible is one of the biggest challenges of the society of tomorrow. Teseo, a startup company spinoff from University of Genoa, aims at accelerating the transition towards a sustainable healthcare system. Teseo’s first concept and product, Arianna, allows for the automated recognition of activities of daily...