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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 2nd, 2024, the McKechnie Family LIFE Home opened its doors for a fall open house, inviting visitors to experience firsthand the innovative research happening within the facility.

Warrior-Scholar Tour

The McKechnie Family LIFE Home had the honor of welcoming 20 Veterans from the Warrior-Scholar Project to our facility on July 25th, 2024.

Oakland STEM camp visits the McKechnie Family LIFE Home

The McKechnie Family LIFE Home was excited to host a group of middle school students from Oakland STEM camp for a tour on June 18th, 2024.

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

Donor

This facility has fully exceeded my expectations. It’s been a wonderful journey!

Karen McKechnie

Donor

The McKechnie Family LIFE Home is a point of pride!

Jean Driscoll

Assistant Dean for Advancement in the College of Applied Health Sciences 

Fantastic work, facility, and people!

John Coleman

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign