Living in Interactive Future Environments
The McKechnie Family LIFE Home
Living in Interactive Future Environments
The McKechnie Family LIFE Home is a cutting-edge research center focused on innovations in home environments. This facility mimics existing home dwellings (i.e., a typical home of today) as well as provides space for the development of next-generation smart homes (i.e., house of tomorrow) that would allow people of all ages and abilities to live fuller, healthier, and autonomous lives. Spaces include a two-bedroom home; an attached garage; multi-purpose research and collaboration rooms; outdoor areas; and capacity for community engagement. Research and development efforts focus on a range of topics related to in-home activities to improve quality of life and independence for people of all ages and abilities.
Vision
We envision a world where we are Living in Interactive Future Environments (LIFE) and technology supports our quality of life at home.
Mission
The mission of the McKechnie Family LIFE Home is to provide the infrastructure to support interdisciplinary research, industry collaborations, community partnerships, and educational opportunities that will advance the science, engineering, and translation of innovations to support independent living, healthcare needs, social interaction, and everyday activities in the home.
In the News
McKechnie Family LIFE Home hosts a Fall Open House
On October 7, the McKechnie Family LIFE Home welcomed guests to our Fall Open House. Visitors explored the space, met researchers from across campus, and experienced hands-on demonstrations from ongoing research projects at the LIFE Home.
Dr. Wendy Rogers, Khan Professor of Applied Health Sciences, interviewed by the Illinois Public Media
As part of a university-wide initiative to spotlight innovative research, the University of Illinois Applied Health Sciences Advancement office coordinated with Illinois Public Media (IPM) to interview Dr. Wendy Rogers, as a Shahid and Ann Carlson Khan Professor of Applied Health Sciences.
LIFE Home Researchers Win 2024 Ergonomics Journal Best Paper Award
The LIFE Home team received the 2024 Ergonomics Journal Best Paper Award for their study on collaborative robotics with older adults and caregivers.
McKechnie Family LIFE Home was Featured on the Big Ten Network!
Testimonials
We continue to be impressed every time we visit the LIFE Home. Continue your wonderful work!
Jim McKechnie
DonorThis facility has fully exceeded my expectations. It’s been a wonderful journey!
Karen McKechnie
Donor