## 6 Discussions of Workshop Results
### WISE-WARE: Intelligent Middleware
Several Proof of Concept (PoC) applications were developed to facilitate experiments assessing the feasibility and usability of the WISE-WARE middleware for integrating and processing data streams from diverse robotics and assistive technology devices. The experimental work was structured around three usage scenarios, shown in Table 6. The selection of these applications was guided by the most-requested features emerging from the workshop (see Table 5), prioritising deployments that were feasible for lab testing and directly applicable to enhancing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These usage scenarios highlight the potentials of integrated smart home systems to enhance the ADLs through context-aware automation and behaviour monitoring. By integrating environmental and activity sensors, the system provides insights into user habits, such as meal patterns and movement, enabling early detection of behavioural changes or health risks like falls, all while maintaining privacy. Furthermore, automation based on natural events, like sunrise and sunset, promotes a seamless and personalised user experience, fostering comfort and well-being. These examples demonstrate the broader potential of such systems to support independent living, proactive health management, and improved quality of life. The proof-of-concept applications developed to demonstrate the benefits of WISE-WARE were designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring they can be used effectively by individuals with minimal technical expertise. The educational level required to operate these applications is comparable to that of using everyday smartphone applications, making them intuitive and user-friendly. While initial setup may require some assistance, significant efforts were made to streamline the user experience, enabling users to access core functions effortlessly without the need for specialised training or advanced technical knowledge. Systems and applications can be configured to reduce cognitive complexity by simplifying language, incorporating coloured or animated graphics and symbols, or utilising voice-based virtual assistants. To enhance accessibility and usability, it is essential to ensure that all communicated information is available in multiple formats (text, visual, and auditory) and to personalise these communication channels according to user preferences. Such measures would significantly improve the solution's accessibility, perceived usability, and overall effectiveness. The success of WISE-WARE depends on several external factors, including reliable internet connectivity for seamless data transmission and monitoring activities, with user consent, continuous power supply for connected devices, effective collaboration and support from caregivers and healthcare providers for timely responses in emergencies, and the integration with local community services to provide holistic care management. For a smart home middleware serving individuals with frailty, such as WISE-WARE, regular software updates on a quarterly basis are essential to ensure security and functionality, addressing vulnerabilities that could impact user safety, as recommended by NIST cybersecurity guidelines and industry best practices [86]. In addition, hardware checks and calibration for the used hardware, in this case, it was deployed on a RPi4, should be conducted every 6-12 months to maintain and test device responsiveness, which is critical for potential cases where the middleware is connected to systems performing emergency detection and monitoring frail individuals [87]. System monitoring and diagnostics should be an ongoing activity, with automated reports generated monthly to detect connectivity issues or device malfunctions, minimising downtime. Finally, user interface adjustments might be necessary every 6-12 months or as needed to accommodate the evolving needs of frail individuals, ensuring the system remains intuitive and accessible.