Need help caring for grandma? Undergrads create the Ahma app to help caregivers
Four NUS undergrads developed an AI-powered app for caregivers that listens and points them to resources.
In Singapore, a group of National University of Singapore (NUS) undergraduates have developed an AI-powered app called Ahma to assist caregivers in navigating resources and managing caregiving tasks. The app uses voice interaction, catering to older adults who may be uncomfortable with texting. Inspired by their own experiences with grandparents and friends, Aishwarya Goyal, Abhishek Paranjape, Andrew Soon, and Hazel Low created the app as a solution for the lack of tailored resources for caregivers in Singapore.
The team ensured user-friendliness by involving caregivers in the development process, creating a private database for each user's background, and enabling the AI to empathize and understand unique caregiver stories. Ahma's AI can also assist with tasks such as drafting emails and adding appointments to Google Calendar. The app currently supports conversations in English, Malay, and Mandarin, with plans to incorporate more languages.
Feedback from caregivers during a recent event by Mindfull Community, which supports caregivers and those with mental health issues, was instrumental in refining the app's features. Rachel Sim, a health administrator, found the app's personalized approach and conversational voice interaction helpful. The students plan to launch a working version of Ahma within three to four months.
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