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ATU leads national project to transform elderly care through immersive media and AI
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has secured funding under the Research Ireland Innovating in Health and Wellbeing Challenge for an innovative project that aims to reshape how older adults experience care, connection, and daily wellbeing.
The project is designed around the belief that later life should be rich in meaning, dignity and human connection, combining immersive virtual media experiences with intelligent, supportive artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
It is one of seven nationally funded initiatives sharing over €2.1 million under the programme.
The funded initiative, “Transforming Elderly Care with Immersive Media and Agentic AI: A Multidisciplinary, Scalable, Preventive Approach to Health and Wellbeing (TECH-AGE)” is led by Dr William Farrelly, with co-lead Dr Martin O’Neill, both of ATU, alongside Societal Impact Champion Luke Gavigan of Riada Care. The project is supported by Janus, HEAL and WiSAR Research Centres at ATU.
Working closely with residents, families, and care professionals, the team will co-design solutions that are practical, scalable, and ready for real‑world deployment.
In partnership with Hillcrest Nursing Home, researchers are already using Virtual Reality (VR) to transform reminiscence therapy for older adults. Residents can step into immersive 360° environments tailored to their personal histories- from familiar seaside landscapes to culturally meaningful settings- designed to spark memories, encourage conversation and reduce anxiety. Care staff are trained to guide sessions, ensuring the technology enhances, rather than replaces, human connection.
Artificial intelligence supports the experience by personalising content for each resident.
Following a successful rollout at Hillcrest, the initiative is expanding to additional Riada Care facilities across Ireland. Ongoing research is exploring further applications, including guided relaxation, sensory support and gentle virtual movement experiences to enhance wellbeing and reduce social isolation.
Announcing the awards, Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, stated:
Through the Innovating in Health and Wellbeing Challenge, we are empowering research teams to take bold, interdisciplinary approaches to some of the complex issues facing our healthcare system. These projects have the potential to reshape care pathways, improve outcomes, and ultimately contribute to a better healthcare system for all.
Speaking on the announcement, Dr William Farrelly said:
“This project is about more than technology; it’s about ensuring older adults remain connected, stimulated, and supported every day. By combining immersive environments with intelligent AI, we aim to create experiences that uplift, empower, and enhance quality of life.”
Photo caption: L-R: Dr William Farrelly, Dr Sinéad Keogh, Lucas Kupczik, Tianran Zhang, Dr Erik Mac Giolla, and Dr Martin O’Neill.
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: +353 89 963 9559
E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie
