Using a smart robot to help individuals with Alzheimer's live at home
Official title: Effectiveness and adoption of a Smart home-based social assistive robot for care of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of New Hampshire · NIH-10904024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly robot called MARSS that helps people with Alzheimer's live more independently at home by providing support with daily activities, health check-ins, and keeping them safe, all while making life easier for their family caregivers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Hampshire NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $689,054 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG075892-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who wish to remain in their homes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease who require full-time care and cannot live independently may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a smart home-based social assistive robot designed to support individuals with Alzheimer's disease in maintaining their independence at home. The robot, named Mobile Assistive Robot with Smart Sensing (MARSS), will provide various forms of assistance, including activity engagement, telehealth services, home safety monitoring, and connectivity between caregivers and patients. The project aims to reduce the burden on family caregivers while enhancing the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer's. The robot will be tested in real community settings to ensure its effectiveness and adaptability to different needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability of individuals with Alzheimer's to live independently while reducing caregiver stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using assistive technologies for Alzheimer's care, indicating potential success for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Hampshire
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arthanat, Sajay — University of New Hampshire
- Study coordinator: Arthanat, Sajay
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.