Zero-Effort Technologies: Considerations, Challenges, and Use in Health, Wellness, and Rehabilitation, Second Edition

This book introduces zero-effort technologies (ZETs), an emerging class of technologies that require little or no effort from the people who use them. ZETs use advanced computing techniques, such as computer vision, sensor fusion, decision-making and planning, machine learning, and the Internet of Things to autonomously perform the collection, analysis, and application of data about the user and/or his/her context. This book begins with an overview of ZETs, then presents concepts related to their development, including pervasive intelligent technologies and environments, design principles, and considerations regarding use. The book discusses select examples of the latest in ZET development before concluding with thoughts regarding future directions of the field.

Dr. Jennifer Boger has been an active member in the field of intelligent assistive technology for enhancing safety and independence for older adults and people with disabilities for more than 15 years. She is the Schlegel Chair in Technology for Independent Living and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo, with cross-appointments to the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo and Affiliate Scientist at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Jennifer's goal is to create innovative, accessible technologies that simultaneously enrich the experience of aging as well as society's perception of aging. She has published more than 50 peer-reviewed journals and conference contributions and is an active member of the rehabilitation engineering community.