Tag: AI

“CommunityBot” Pitch for HELA Call

The Interdisciplinary Focus Healthy Living and Aging (IdS HELA) hosted a networking event in St. Gallen on 13 May 2025. The event brought together researchers from OST with external experts and their expertise. I had the opportunity to present our project idea ‘CommunityBot’ to over 30 participants from all seven departments of OST as well as external guests – a lively interdisciplinary exchange. The open atmosphere and shared commitment made the three-hour event a real highlight in the HELA process.

“CommunityBot” Pitch for HELA-Call

The Interdisciplinary Focus Healthy Living and Aging (IdS HELA) hosted a networking event in St. Gallen on 13 May 2025. The event brought together researchers from OST with external experts and their expertise. I had the opportunity to present our project idea ‘CommunityBot’ to over 30 participants from all seven departments of OST as well as external guests – a lively interdisciplinary exchange. The open atmosphere and shared commitment made the three-hour event a real highlight in the HELA process.

Digital Inclusion in Later Life – Shaping the Future Together

At the AIAS – THE MULTIGENERATION LAB Digital Inclusion Conference in Zurich, I had the pleasure of representing our Institute for Ageing Research IAF with a booth and a pitch. I presented our project “Alfred”, which explores new approaches to improving digital inclusion for older adults.

Together with the team from Altertainment, we had many inspiring conversations and received valuable feedback. I was especially encouraged by the strong interest in ageing research and the openness to innovative technologies that support independent living in later life.

My key takeaway from the afternoon and the insightful panel discussion:
👉 In addition to accessible digital solutions and skills development, we urgently need greater political focus on this socially and economically relevant issue.

A big thank you to the organizers – I’m taking away many new ideas and look forward to continued collaboration in the field of Digital Inclusion! 🌍✨

How Artificial Intelligence Helps Us Stay Young

As part of the Deutschlandfunk series “Understanding AI”, I had the pleasure of speaking with Carina Schroeder about our current project Alfred. We are testing the independent use of Altertainment‘s voice-based AI chatbot with residents of the Wohnen am Singenberg retirement home. The project is funded by an Innosuisse innovation cheque.

In the podcast episode “AI for Seniors” (starting at minute 15:55), I share insights from our research at the Institute for Ageing Research IAF, including:
🔹 the unique challenges of developing AI for older adults,
🔹 technological barriers in care and retirement homes,
🔹 and first impressions from our real-world testing of the AI companion Alfred.

💡 It was an inspiring conversation about how AI can support active and independent living in later life.

🎧 The episode is now available (in German) on Deutschlandfunk, ARD Audiothek, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music: