Smart aged care and healthcare technology developer InteliCare, in conjunction with the University of Sydney and Macquarie University, has been awarded a $100,000 grant by the NSW State Government agency, the NSW Smart Sensing Network to develop the company’s machine learning predictive technology to assist with healthcare management of chronic deterioration in the elderly.
The Perth-based company says it is now looking to strike an agreement with the two universities and NSW Smart Sensing Network to use the grant money to fund a one-year joint project driven by their respective computer science departments.
Machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, enables machines to learn from data without being programmed explicitly and is a powerful method to identify patterns, InteliCare explains.
The funding will accelerate machine-learning capability offerings of the company, which to date has focused on detecting events rather than predicting them.
InteliCare says the multi-disciplinary researchers will develop machine learning algorithms to predict and prevent events that are likely to impact on the quality of life of the elderly.
These product features will extend its artificial intelligence accuracy at predicting risks of chronic disease and mental health deterioration.
Product intellectual property developed through the project will be owned by InteliCare and, according to the company, deliver a significant competitive advantage over outdated assistive technology, particularly duress or alert wearables.
InteliCare says it will contribute $152,898 cash to the project in addition to the grant and the universities will provide $161,021 of in-kind support.
InteliCare Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Jason Waller said: “This funding is an excellent opportunity to work with a world-class machine learning team in a highly cost-effective way. From the outset, Intelicare’s strategy has been to not only use artificial intelligence to detect critical events, but to harness our data to predict events so as to prevent them occurring in the first place.”
According to the NSW Smart Sensing Network, the project will result in an improved notification system that enables caregivers and online operators to gain a better understanding of when to intervene.
The University of Sydney’s School of Computer Science Head of School, Professor Athman Bouguettaya said: “The University of Sydney is a leader in Internet of Things systems and artificial intelligence, and we are excited to work with InteliCare and the project's collaborators to create a solution to support in-home care for Australia's older citizens.”
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By Matt Birney
