As dementia is increasing with population aging, POSTECH Ergonomic Design Technology Lab (Professor  Heecheon You) and the Department of Neurology of Samsung Medical Center (Advisor Prof. Na Duk-ryul), Seedtech, and Humanopia developed a music-game, “Smart Harmony,” to prevent dementia. Smart Harmony will be displayed to public in a contest hosted by Gangnam-Gu Center for Dementia on Oct. 19.
Smart Harmony is a music game console that requires users to concentrate on a timing bar, moving through flow of music, and shake an electrical stick for ensemble. It can enhance health of brain by activating sociality, physical ability, emotional ability, and cognitive ability. In addition, Smart Harmony allows users to choose from eight kinds of musical instruments sounds  such as the piano and the violine. Smart Harmony’s ergonomic user interface is designed to be user-friendly for men and women of all ages, including people with disabilities.
Prof. You explained that “There is plan to add a function that understands health state of brain by recording and analyzing playing score of user. The device could then announce any detected abnormalities to medical attendants or other caregivers.”