Support for Employees with ASD in the Workplace Using a Bluetooth Skin Resistance Sensor–A Preliminary Study

• Main Authors: Michał T. Tomczak, Marek Wójcikowski, Paulina Listewnik, Bogdan Pankiewicz, Daria Majchrowicz, Małgorzata Jędrzejewska-Szczerska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-10-01
• Series: Sensors
• Subjects: Autism Spectrum Disorders; employees; workplace; skin resistance sensor; Bluetooth sensor; Bluetooth
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/18/10/3530

The application of a Bluetooth skin resistance sensor in assisting people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), in their day-to-day work, is presented in this paper. The design and construction of the device are discussed. The authors have considered the best placement of the sensor, on the body, to gain the most accurate readings of user stress levels, under various conditions. Trial tests were performed on a group of sixteen people to verify the correct functioning of the device. Resistance levels were compared to those from the reference system. The placement of the sensor has also been determined, based on wearer convenience. With the Bluetooth Low Energy block, users can be notified immediately about their abnormal stress levels via a smartphone application. This can help people with ASD, and those who work with them, to facilitate stress control and make necessary adjustments to their work environment.