“INTRAKITCHEN”

IntraKitchen is a smart kitchen designed for people living with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. As the name suggests, IntraKitchen focuses on the intrapersonal strengths and difficulties of people with this disease. By adapting standard kitchen appliances for increased safety, IntraKitchen allows users to remain living independently longer. 

FEATURES

Motion Sensing Capabilities

IntraKitchen appliances (cooktop, oven, sink, and fridge) use motion-sensing technology to detect whether they are still in use to prevent any danger to the user. 

Freshness Monitor

The fridge uses a camera to monitor when food is purchased and when it is likely to have spoiled to avoid past-date consumption. 

Interactive Voice-Controlled Assistant 

The Interactive Voice-Controlled Assistant works in conjunction with the other appliances’ motion sensing capabilities. When the appliance senses that it is no longer in use, the assistant, called Intra, prompts the user. Each appliance shuts off if no response is given after prompting the user twice. 

Transparent Cabinetry 

Because a diminished memory can make it hard to remember where you place items, IntraKitchen uses plexiglass material for cabinet doors to help the user easily locate what they’re looking for. 

Emergency Connect 

If the user does not respond to the second prompt by Intra, the user’s cell phone is called. If they don’t answer, an emergency contact is dialed. This feature is meant to keep the user safe and keep loved ones informed.  

INSPIRATION

Alzheimer’s is a debilitating disease and learning to live with it often costs people their independence. IntraKitchen aims to change that. Smart Appliances reduce risk and allow people to maintain their autonomy by safely staying in their homes as long as possible. The different technologies required already exist, making the production of the kitchen relatively simple. The final product would likely be expensive, but cost effective when compared side-by-side with assisted living accommodations.

Several existing products inspired the concept for IntraKitchen including the Snaidero Skyline Kitchen (re-designs a kitchen to suit the needs of those with physical handicaps), FabCab PreFab Homes designed for aging in place, and the AR Table which suggests recipes based on leftover ingredients.