To design and develop capable, dependable, and affordable intelligent systems, their performance must be measurable. Scienti?c methodologies for standardization and benchmarking are crucial for quantitatively evaluating the performance of eme- ing robotic and intelligent systems’ technologies. There is currently no accepted standard for quantitatively measuring the performance of these systems against user-de?ned requirements; and furthermore, there is no consensus on what obj- tive evaluation procedures need to be followed to understand the performance of these systems. The lack of reproducible and repeatable test methods has precluded researchers working towards a common goal from exchanging and communic- ing results, inter-comparing system performance, and leveraging previous work that could otherwise avoid duplication and expedite technology transfer. Currently, this lack of cohesion in the community hinders progress in many domains, such as m- ufacturing, service, healthcare, and security. By providing the research community with access to standardized tools, reference data sets, and open source libraries of solutions, researchers and consumers will be able to evaluate the cost and be- ?ts associated with intelligent systems and associated technologies. In this vein, the edited book volume addresses performance evaluation and metrics for intel- gent systems, in general, while emphasizing the need and solutions for standardized methods. To the knowledge of the editors, there is not a single book on the market that is solely dedicated to the subject of performance evaluation and benchmarking of intelligent systems.

Successful interaction with products, tools and technologies depends on usable designs and accommodating the needs of potential users without requiring costly training. In this context, this book is concerned with emerging ergonomics in design concepts, theories and applications of human factors knowledge focusing on the discovery, design and understanding of human interaction and usability issues with products and systems for their improvement. This book will be of special value to a large variety of professionals, researchers and students in the broad field of human modeling and performance who are interested in feedback of devices’ interfaces (visual and haptic), user-centered design, and design for special populations, particularly the elderly. We hope this book is informative, but even more - that it is thought provoking. We hope it inspires, leading the reader to contemplate other questions, applications, and potential solutions in creating good designs for all.

The first book focusing on one of the hottest new topics in Internet of Things systems research and development Studies estimate that by 2020 we will have a vast Internet of Things (IoT) network comprising 26 billion connected devices, including everything from light bulbs to refrigerators, coffee makers to cars. From the beginning, the concept of cyber-physical systems (CPS), or the sensing and control of physical phenomena through networks of devices that work together to achieve common goals, has been implicit in the IoT enterprise. This book focuses on the increasingly hot topic of Human-in-the-loop Cyber-Physical Systems (HiTLCPS)—CPSs that incorporate human responses in IoT equation. Why have we not yet integrated the human component into CPSs? What are the major challenges to achieving HiTLCPS? How can we take advantage of ubiquitous sensing platforms, such as smartphones and personal devices to achieve that goal? While mature HiTLCPS designs have yet to be achieved, or a general consensus reached on underlying HiTLCPS requirements, principles, and theory, researchers and developers worldwide are on the cusp of realizing them. With contributions from researchers at the cutting edge of HiTLCPS R&D, this book addresses many of these questions from the theoretical and practical points of view. An essential primer on a rapidly emerging Internet-of-Things concept, focusing on human-centric applications Discusses new topics which, until now, have only been available in research papers scattered throughout the world literature Addressed fundamental concepts in depth while providing practical insights into the development of complete HiTLCPS systems Includes a companion website containing full source-code for all of the applications described This book is an indispensable resource for researchers and app developers eager to explore HiTL concepts and include them into their designs. It is also an excellent primer for advanced undergraduates and graduate students studying IoT, CPS, and HiTLCPS.

An advanced look at smart technology to promote the independence of the elderly and disabled Ongoing research and advancements in technology are essential for the continuing independence of elderly and disabled persons. The Engineering Handbook of Smart Technology for Aging, Disability, and Independence provides a thorough analysis of these technologies and the needs of the elderly and disabled, including a breakdown of demographics, government spending, growth rate, and much more. Each chapter is written by an expert in his or her respective field, and gives readers unparalleled insight into the research and developments in a multitude of important areas, including: User-need analyses, classifications, and policies Assistive devices and systems for people with motor disabilities Assistive devices and systems for people with visual and hearing impairments Human-machine interaction and virtual reality Assistive robotics Technology for user mobility and object manipulation Smart homes as assistant environments A discussion of emerging standards and guidelines to build accessible devices, tools, and environments This book is an indispensable resource for researchers and professionals in computer science, rehabilitation science, and clinical engineering. It also serves as a valuable textbook for graduate students in the aforementioned fields.

Designing inclusively is no longer an option for companies. It is a business essential. Global populations are getting older, legislation is increasingly prohibitive of unnecessary exclusion and consumer attitudes are beginning to change. Exclusivity is out, inclusivity is in. Research communities the world over are responding to this change in design emphasis. Conferences such as the Cambridge Workshops on Universal Access and Assistive Technology (CWUAAT) offer a forum for researchers from diverse and varied disciplines to bring their perspectives on inclusive design together. This book has been inspired by the second CWUAAT, held in Cambridge, England in March 2004. It contains chapters from an international group of leading researchers in this field. Contributions focus on the following topics: design issues for universal access and assistive technology; enabling computer access and new technologies; and, assistive technology and rehabilitation robotics. This series of conferences is aimed at a broad range of interests, with a general focus on the development of products and solutions. Numerous case studies are used to raise awareness of the challenges faced in developing truly inclusive products, along with examples of good practice for design for a more inclusive world.

This book aims at exposing its readers to some of the most significant advances in assistive technologies. Assistive technologies develop devices to assist vulnerable people, including elderly people, people with cognitive disabilities such as memory problems or dementia, and people with functional disabilities such as those needing support in toileting, moving around, eating, bathing, dressing, grooming, and taking personal care. The ever-increasing life expectancy and world population, along with the emergence of new diseases and the regrettable continuation of armed conflicts, press for development and availability of assistive technologies that offer people in need the opportunity to live secure and controlled lives with more active participation in society and at a reduced assistive cost. This task can be accomplished only with more advanced devices than traditional-powered wheelchairs or eating/drinking devices, including prosthetics, exoskeletons, visual and hearing aids, cognitive aids, and devices enhanced with artificial intelligence. The book consists of an editorial note and an additional twelve (12) chapters, all of which have been written by authors who work on the corresponding chapter theme and are recognized for their significant research contributions. In more detail, the chapters in the book are organized into four parts, namely (i) Advances in Assistive Technologies in Healthcare, (ii) Advances in Assistive Technologies in Medical Diagnosis, (iii) Advances in Assistive Technologies in Mobility and Navigation, and (iv) Advances in Privacy and Explainability in Assistive Technologies. This research book is directed towards professors, researchers, scientists, engineers, and students in assistive technologies. It is also directed towards readers who come from other disciplines and is interested in becoming versed in some of the most recent assistive technologies. An extensive list of bibliographic references at the end of each chapter guides its readers to probe further into the application areas of interest to them.