Agent technology and wireless sensor networks for monitoring patients in residences and their homes

Abstract

This paper presents an intelligent multi-agent system aimed at improving healthcare and assistance to elderly and dependent people in geriatric residences and their homes. The system is based on the PANGEA and HERA platforms and integrates a set of autonomous reactive and deliberative agents designed to support the carers' activities and to guarantee that the patients are given the right care. The system makes use of Wireless Sensor Networks and a Real-Time Locating System for providing autonomous responses according to the environment status. A case study where the multi-agent system has been tested in several real environments is presented. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.