COLLEAGUE

call: H2020-SC1-2018

funding scheme: RIA

activity: SC1-DTH-3

The ageing of the European population and the lengthening of retirement requirements are creating new challenges. Trends of workforce reduction, of an increasing number of senior workers experiencing functional difficulties pose a serious issue that can only be solved with more age-friendly living, working and recreational environments. The workers over 55 years that are employed in office or production line processes cannot cope with the problem of cognitive decline. In addition, digital transformation as a pre-requisite to update professional skills imply a continuous need for the worker to learn new IT tools and processes, however with a stunning shortage of solutions accessible for aged workers. Therefore, continuous reskilling required by such professional profiles, combined with the lack of learning tools, puts them at risk of exclusion from the labour and from the society. In this scenario, COLLEAGUE will build an unobtrusive digital solution that empowers the ageing workers to improve soft skills and attentional focus. The solution is based on the virtuous combination of a wearable audio attentional enhancer, a cost-effective table-top robot and an ICT platform connected to healthcare stakeholders. At first COLLEAGUE, using natural human-computer interaction the digital solution will act as a trainer and a tracker of learning progresses. Secondly, adding the wearable audio enhancer will improve prospective memory capabilities and attention skills of the worker. Thirdly, it promotes behavioral changes that will avoid health and safety hazards at work. COLLEAGUE will allow ageing users to be and remain actively involved in professional life longer. The working environment will be more tailored and flexible, therefore re-framing the concept of ergonomic workplace and work-life balance. COLLEAGUE goes beyond the limitations associated with age by making the workplace agile, therefore supporting a more active, healthy and independent lifestyle.