The Ambient Intelligent Environment as an Attachment Figure: How to Create Sensitive Coaching Systems for Human Care

In this paper the ambient intelligent care environment is described as an attachment figure for the user. In attachment theory the attachment figures is the base from which the individual interacts with the environment, explores the world and copes with distress. We claim that a socio-emotional lasting relation with a system as an attachment figure is a necessary prerequisite for Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) systems to be accepted by users as support in daily care. We observe that most AAL systems lack such an approach. Four scales that measure the quality of attachment are suggested to be used to evaluate AAL systems. We address a variety of components that are required to make a successful attachment between the system and the user for persons that are in need of care. As a basis for the attachment the theory of Ainsworth [1] is used. These factors builds a socio-emotional relationship with the user and help in maintaining or increasing the well being of the user. This socioemotional relationship can be an important explanation for the successfulness of an ambient assisting system in the healthcare domain.