Inform issue 25 – Winter 2018

Innovations
Trial giving independence to
Victorians injured in crashes
A trial of new technology
to help Victorians who
have been seriously injured
in road accidents to live
independently is underway
as part of a partnership
between the Transport
Accident Commission (TAC)
and Deakin University.
TAC’s Head of Independence,
Liz Cairns, recently visited
the home of trial participant
Josh Taylor to see how the
technology, developed by the
university’s Applied Artificial
Intelligence Institute, is
being trialled to improve the
independence and quality of life
of TAC clients. Mr Taylor, who
sustained a severe traumatic
brain injury in a two-car collision
in 2005 when he was 19, is one
of four TAC clients taking part in
the trial.
Using small sensors installed
throughout a home, the
technology, known as Sofihub,
monitors a person’s presence
to develop an understanding
of their daily routine. The
technology can detect
anomalies that negatively impact
the resident’s health and then
prompt them if they forget
normal daily activities, such as
taking their medication.
The technology can identify if
something goes wrong in the
home and help detect falls. In
these cases, if a resident fails
to respond to Sofihub prompts,
carers or medical professionals
will be automatically alerted.
The trial is being supported
by Monash University through
the input of an occupational
therapist who works with TAC
clients to ensure the technology
is customised to their needs.
Ms Cairns said about 5000
Victorians are seriously injured
on Victorian roads each year
and about 90 of those are
affected by quadriplegia or
severe acquired brain injury.
“The trial of the Sofihub sensor
and audio technology is a part
of the TAC’s commitment to
continually look at innovative
ways to increase the
independence of Victorians
who are seriously injured on our
roads.
“This trial has the potential to
significantly increase the ability
of TAC clients to have a greater
level of autonomy in their dayto-day
living, and provide them
with a better quality of life.
“If successful, this technology
has the ability to be rolled out
across the state to benefit
thousands of Victorians,” she
said.
Sofihub is also being trialled
in the aged care sector in
Geelong, to help people remain
in their homes as they age.
However, this is the first time it
has been trialled by people who
have a disability.
Depending on the outcome
of the $60,000 six-month trial,
Sofihub may be adopted by
other TAC clients.
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