Student veterans from the Warrior Scholars Program and staff from the Chez Veterans Center visited the McKechnie Family LIFE Home to learn about research advancing smart technologies, aging, accessibility, and health technology.
During the visit, the LIFE Home team introduced the students to the Stretch robot and discussed how human-centered design can support independence and everyday activities in home environments. The students had the opportunity to explore technologies designed and demonstrated in the LIFE Home, including XR glasses and AI capabilities for controlling Stretch to identify and pick up objects, use-case examples, future research directions. In addition, the students explored the LIFE Home’s extended reality lab, where they interacted with virtual reality activities. They interacted with social robots, including Moxie, Jibo, and our newest member, ElliQ. These hands-on experiences provided the visitors with ideas on how emerging technologies can support accessibility, engagement, and quality of life across diverse populations. The visit was coordinated by the Chez Veterans Center, which supports student veterans and military-connected students as they transition into academic life. The Warrior Scholars Program provides as academic boot camp to enable veterans to explore academic opportunities. The McKechnie Family LIFE Home was honored to be part of this immersive experience and to share how assistive and interactive technologies can contribute to accessible, independent, and connected living.
A veteran operating the Stretch robot through the XR glasses.
Veterans interacting with Moxie.
