Rita - a Responsive InTeractive Advocate: George and Mrs Jones

RITA (Responsive InTeractive Advocate) is a prototype software and elderly care service model that intends to support the restructuring of the multiple branches of healthcare into an integrative model structured around the individual user. The RITA service incorporates sophisticated artificial intelligence and emotion detection systems to support empathetic and expressive communication. The functionality of the system is wide, varied and modular in its potential to integrate with various existing and forthcoming assistive technologies. The vision of RITA is to promote good physical health alongside emotional wellbeing, and to support the retention of independence for older adults. The project is envisaged as a central component within a genuinely progressive service framework of healthcare. To illustrate the functionality of Rita two filmed vignettes were made, Mrs Jones and George.