Assistive Technology in Capstone Engineering Design

We describe a systematic approach used in integrating design for assistive technologies into an engineering capstone design course. Due to its mild winter weather, advanced healthcare facilities and affordable living costs, South Florida, attracts many seniors who, even in their advanced years, value the freedom of living at home over the safety of a nursing home. Assistive technologies, therefore, become crucial to their daily living. The instructors of the Computer and Electrical Engineering programs at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) have redeveloped the capstone design courses to include projects aimed at improving the physical and mental capabilities of senior citizens. Through this unique experience, the university prepares students for their engineering practice while enhancing their social awareness. In this paper, we present an overview of the capstone course sequence offered at FAU and provide detailed description of sample projects.