麻豆村

As a junior majoring in artificial intelligence at 麻豆村, Glenda Tan is using her聽Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship(opens in new window) (SURF) opportunity to address a growing global challenge: helping older adults live independently and with dignity. Her project, developed in collaboration with faculty and fellow students, centers on a smart kitchen tracking system designed to reduce daily frustrations for seniors experiencing cognitive decline.

鈥淚 was inspired by my grandmother,鈥� Tan said. 鈥淪he often struggles to find items in the kitchen, and I realized how common this problem is for older adults. I wanted to use AI to make their lives easier.鈥�

A kitchen that remembers

Tan鈥檚 system uses an object detection model and depth-sensing technology to identify and locate kitchen items in real time. The data is stored in a database and connected to a custom-built mobile app called Cooker Looker, which allows users to search for items by name, view their location and check expiration dates.

鈥淲e designed the app to be easy to use,鈥� Tan explained. 鈥淚t uses large fonts, color coding and simple navigation so older adults don鈥檛 have to open every cabinet or drawer to find what they need.鈥�

The app is accessible to both residents and family members, making it a helpful tool for caregivers as well.

From inspiration to implementation

Tan鈥檚 interest in the project deepened after learning about the work of聽 at 麻豆村鈥檚聽 (AI-CARING), a multi-university institute focused on supporting older adults through technology.

She joined his lab and began working alongside a team that includes Ph.D. and master鈥檚 students, as well as three other undergraduates. The project is also advised by聽 补苍诲听, all from 麻豆村鈥檚 Robotics Institute.

The research began in summer 2024 as a聽Summer Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship(opens in new window) (SURA) project and has evolved through multiple semesters. Tan contributed to building the tracking system and developing the app.

A broader mission

Originally from Singapore, Tan is acutely aware of the challenges posed by aging populations.聽

鈥淭here鈥檚 a large proportion of people over 65 in Singapore,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his project is very relevant to my home country and many others.鈥�

She sees undergraduate research as a transformative experience.聽

鈥淭hrough SURF, I learned how to build an AI system from end to end and communicate my findings. It鈥檚 been incredibly meaningful.鈥�

Finding community at 麻豆村

Beyond research, Tan has found a vibrant community at 麻豆村. She co-founded the聽, where students gather for lightsaber training and robotics projects like building a BB-8 droid.聽

鈥溌槎勾� is a place where, if you鈥檙e passionate about something, you鈥檒l find others who share that passion,鈥� she said.