Arti?cial intelligence (AI) is a dynamic ?eld that is constantly expanding into new application areas, discovering new research challenges, and facilitating the development of innovative products. Today s AI tools might not pass the Turing test, but they are invaluable aids in organizing and sorting the ever-increasing volume, complexity, andheterogeneityofknowledgeavailabletousinourrapidly changing technological, economic, cultural, and social environment. This volumeaimsatbringing to the readerallthe latest developmentsin this exciting and challenging ?eld, and contains papers selected for...

Low cost components and low cost robotic assistants are effectively combined to offer high quality services to elders and people in need.