KAITEKI for People

The health and well-being of humans are primary targets for The Global KAITEKI Center. The diversity and depth of academic resources, expertise and technologies at various ASU units (schools, institute, centers) offer a phenomenal opportunity to tackel some of the most pressing and persistent obstacles in establishing KAITEKI. Research, already under way or planned for the future, include the following:

“BeWell24” — Health promotion across 24 hours in a digital world:

The accelerating proliferation and penetration of low-cost digital information processing devices offer a tremendous opportunity for the establishment of KAITEKI homes and workplaces: safe, healthy, and comfortable environments round the clock. The Global KAITEKI Center is designing a partnership with ASU’s College of Health Solutions and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering in order to design effective systems for a round-the-clock promotion of health and comfortable life by coordinating: sleep, diet, physical exercise, study, artistic endeavors, mental or/and manual work.

Assistance for aging population:

This is a area of particular significance for The Global KAITEKI Center which is pursing a series of initiatives to support the functions of aging people: (a) wearable devices and soft robotic systems with digital sensors and actuators offer; intelligent assistance in daily chores, training to improve walking mobility and reduce falls, assistance in lifting heavy objects, robotic rehabilitation of limps’ pain and dysfunction; (b) designed interventions to improve sleep, diet, pharmacological regiments, and physical exercise; (c) diagnostic and therapeutic systems and processes for neurodegenerative diseases.

Medical advances in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases:

ASU has been selected by the National Cancer Institute to establish the Arizona Cancer and Evolution Center. This grant will establish ASU as a key plaer and the hub of an international network of research scientists who are dedicated to understanding cancer in an entirely new way. Furthermore, Charlene and J. Orin Edson’s gift to the Biodesign Institute and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, has put ASU at the forefront of developments in fighting neurodegenerative diseases. The Global KAITEKI Center wants to partner with these ASU groups in creating new ways to fight cancer and Alzheimer

“Smart” homes and workplaces: Materials and devices to improve quality of life at home or work:

The Global KAITEKI Center will pursue interdisciplinary research with various engineering and science schools to design and manufacture materials and devices, such as the following: (a) passive construction and interior decorative materials to enhance safety and aesthetics, control ambient temperature and humidity, provide protection against bacterial infections, and other functions. (b) Active, intelligent materials and devices to regulate living conditions for health and comfort.

Fabrics, fashion and information:

Synthesis of sustainable new materials for fibers and fabrics with personalized fashion designs and integrated information devices. The Global KATEKI Center will pursue joint projects with ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

Read more