Signal processing challenges in cognitive assistive technology [Exploratory DSP]

Technological supports for people with disabilities are usually referred to as assistive technology. There has been significant work in developing technologies to support people with mobility and sensory disabilities. Developing these tools for people with cognitive disabilities has not been as widespread. In this article, we briefly outline causes and consequences of cognitive disabilities and then concentrate on smart home technologies. One such challenge in smart homes is the desire to have inexpensive components easily installed and selfcalibrating. We briefly mention work in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs).