A new project aimed at transforming everyday household interfaces into energy-harvesting technologies is currently underway at Texas A&M University, spearheaded by Dr Jeeun Kim, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering. This initiative, supported by an early career development award, seeks to enhance the functionality of commonplace items such as doorknobs, which could be converted into smart adaptive interfaces with integrated sensing and energy capabilities.
The core idea behind this project is to harness the physical interactions often overlooked in domestic environments. For example, when a doorknob is turned, it could potentially activate a light in the kitchen, illustrating how typical household tasks could benefit from automation. This integration of technology aims to assist individuals with disabilities and streamline daily routines by enabling various appliances and devices to operate autonomously.
Dr Kim emphasised the challenges faced in everyday design, saying, “Daily design issues are hard to attend if prior experiences are used as a baseline.” She acknowledged that while many individuals have specific goals, such as reducing utility bills, translating the latest scientific advances into practical applications often requires expertise. The lack of accessible tools for end-users highlights the gap this research aims to bridge.
Through this project, the focus will be on increasing public awareness of computational challenges faced on a daily basis and redesigning opportunities using innovative 3D-printed augmentations. One example discussed is the possibility of adding attachments to window slides or refrigerator door hinges that could convert kinetic energy into power. This energy might be used for alarms or displays, thereby enhancing the utility of existing devices without needing a complete replacement.
In support of her research, Dr Kim has also developed a comprehensive framework to create a large-scale dataset aimed at describing how people interact with their everyday objects, as well as their respective interaction properties. Furthermore, she has designed an end-to-end software system that leverages augmented reality, allowing users to scan their environments with a smartphone. This system can detect hidden accessibility barriers and overlay useful information, promoting greater awareness of overlooked design opportunities.
As Dr Kim noted, “By tackling multifaceted, interdisciplinary approaches across digital fabrication, end-user programming, deep learning, robotics and design, this project lays the foundation for a future where every individual creates daily innovations in assistive computing devices, smart homes and green buildings.” The intention is not to replace legacy interfaces with smart devices entirely; instead, the project offers a cost-effective pathway to reimagine them in ways that enhance energy efficiency and user accessibility. These advancements in AI automation and smart home technology could significantly impact business practices, particularly for sectors focused on home improvement and assistive technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services