Meloneras, November 27, 2024 – The 6th Workshop on Emerging Applications and Research in IoT and Human-Technology Convergence (WEARIoT’2024) concluded with impactful discussions on how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping human experiences and interactions. Among the standout contributions were two innovative studies from CONVERGENCE researchers Hsiao-Chun Lin and Lotta Ylinen, which explored critical societal challenges through the lens of IoT and AI-driven solutions.
Hsiao-Chun Lin’s work, “Towards Emotion Mapping for Multimodal Unobtrusive Stress Monitoring,” presented a novel approach to understanding and managing stress in individuals. The study explored how wearable sensors, combined with advanced data processing techniques, can detect and map emotional states in real time. By leveraging multimodal inputs, Lin’s research aims to create stress monitoring systems that are not only effective but also unobtrusive. These systems could have transformative applications in mental health, wellness, and workplace productivity, offering individuals a clearer understanding of their emotional well-being while minimizing intrusion into their daily lives.
Lotta Ylinen’s work, “The Possibilities and Challenges of Passively Sensing Young People’s Loneliness,” addressed a pressing societal issue by examining how IoT devices and sensors can passively collect data to better understand loneliness among youth. The research highlighted the potential of passive sensing technologies to provide insights into behavioral and social patterns linked to loneliness. By identifying these hurdles, the study paved the way for future work that balances technological innovation ultimately aiming to support young people’s mental health through informed and sensitive interventions.
These contributions underscore the role of CONVERGENCE in driving interdisciplinary research that tackles real-world challenges. Both studies demonstrate how IoT and AI can move beyond convenience and efficiency to address deeper human needs, reflecting the broader mission of WEARIoT’2024 to explore technology’s potential to enhance lives while addressing ethical and societal implications.
