The CART Home

The technology platform used in the CART Initiative is an extension of the ORCATECH Life Lab. 

Developed by a team effort of clinicians, gerontologists, data scientists, engineers and computer scientists, and end-users, the platform collects data about everyday home-based activities. Data is securely sent to ORCATECH's servers, where innovative algorithms can translate it into meaningful information. The platform is designed to be:

  • Ambient: Sensors are sensitive to the presence of people and continuously collect data in real-time.
  • Technology Agnostic: The platform can accommodate new devices or new data systems, making it future-proof.
  • Unobtrusive: Sensors are discreet, blend into a home's environment and do not interfere with daily life, meaning that participant's do not need to change their daily routines.
  • Used by the research community

By analyzing data that is captured by the platform, researchers may be able to observe how various activity patterns can relate to the onset of new medical problems. Learn more about the goals of CART. 

Inside a CART home

An array of sensors and smart devices are installed in a home that is enrolled in the CART study. Many of these sensors and devices originate from collaborations with CART's technology partners. Learn more about our collaborations. 

Graphic showcasing the various sensors and devices within the CART technology platform

These measure mobility by tracking walking speed, movement between rooms, and how much time is spent in a room.

Sensors are installed on the walls and ceilings of a home that is involved with CART. These sensors measure walking speed and movement between rooms.

These measure how often a participant has left their home, by tracking how often a front or patio door is opened or closed.

The door sensor, installed on a front door, measures how often someone enters or exits a home.

This measures body composition, heart rate and weight.

The scale measures weight and the heart rate of a participant that is involved in the CART study.

This measures medication adherence by tracking how often a pillbox lid is closed.

The digital pillbox measures when a study participant opens a pillbox lid, so when they take their medication.

This measures daily activity and sleep patterns.

The digital watch measures daily activity, such as how many steps a participant took during the day, and sleep activity, such as how many hours they slept.

This is installed in a participant's car and tracks how often a participant drives.

The car sensor, installed near the dashboard, measures how often a study participant drives.

This sensor measures when someone falls asleep, restlessness, and time spent in light, deep and REM cycles.

Sleep sensor device shown in a typical installation at home

A software program installed on the computer measures how much time is spent on it and how often someone logins.

Research participant using a computer to fill out an online health survey