National Star College Unveils AI-Equipped “Smart House” for Students with Disabilities

Disabled students at National Star College in Ullenwood are enjoying the opening of their brand new, state-of-the-art residential housing on campus. Equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the new building, named ‘Building a Brighter Future’, aims to provide the students with freedom and independence while revolutionising their educational experience.

Smart Living with AI Technology

The single-story ‘smart house’ has 13 bedrooms, each furnished with overhead tracking hoists and adjustable kitchen worktops. But it’s the AI technologies that make the house entirely accessible. The voice activated fridge for example is a game-changer for students like Jasper Tomlinson, who is a wheelchair user and non-verbal. Using his electronic communicator that he controls with his eyes, Jasper can give the command “tell me what is in my fridge” and the contents inside appear on a large screen on the door without the need to open the fridge.

Jasper can also control the lighting and even open and close his curtains via his communicator. Of the AI technology in his home Jasper expresses: “I think that it’s great because it helps me gain confidence for the time I leave college.”

A Personlised Approach to Technology

Principal of National Star, Simon Welch, underlines the importance of the personalised approach to how the AI technology is used. He stated:
“The technology isn’t necessarily hugely innovative, but the way in which we work with the individual is.”

By recognising the unique needs of each student, the technology within the house has been tailored to meet their individual priorities and disabilities, ensuring a personalised and supportive living experience.

Maisie Morgan, assistive technology technician at National Star College, also sheds light on the significance of this initiative. She said:

“We’re trying to give the students the opportunity to explore this technology in a safe environment at college.”

Maisie envisions students, both current and prospective, using this technology to gain insights into the broader world, with the ultimate goal of implementing it in their personal spaces, facilitating a seamless transition from college to independent living.

Shaping a Brighter Future

The success of the AI technology being used at National Star certainly sets a precedent for the future of education and independent living. By ensuring that students with disabilities have the tools and resources to thrive in a technology-driven world, it paves the way for a brighter, more accessible future.