Professor of Computer Engineering, Dr. Macarena Espinilla, opened the session with a talk reflecting on more than a decade of research focused on the design of intelligent and respectful home monitoring systems.
Jaén, 23/10/2024 – The Polytechnic School of Jaén (EPSJ) hosted the event ‘Engineering and Entrepreneurship. Women Engineers of Jaén’, a space designed to highlight female talent and the impact of research, innovation, and knowledge transfer projects driven by the University of Jaén in collaboration with the regional business sector.
The opening session featured a keynote by Dr. Macarena Espinilla Estévez, Professor of Computer Engineering and coordinator of the MicroChip4Age project, who delivered the talk titled “From Idea to Market: The Journey of an Intelligent Activity Recognition System.”
Over a decade of impact-driven research
During her presentation, Dr. Espinilla outlined more than ten years of scientific work focused on the development of intelligent home monitoring systems, tracing the path from early sensor-based prototypes to the consolidation of MicroChip4Age—a project that offers non-invasive technology for monitoring the activity and location of older adults and chronic patients.
Her research, closely linked to artificial intelligence applied to data generated by sensor-equipped devices, aims to improve people’s autonomy, safety, and quality of life, while always respecting their privacy and independence. She also emphasized the transformative role of Computer Engineering in creating solutions with social impact, and the importance of technology transfer as a pathway for bringing university-generated knowledge into society.
A day of inspiration and dialogue
Following the keynote, a participatory discussion was held, where students and faculty exchanged reflections and questions about the current challenges in engineering, experiences in applied research, and the role of women in technological development. The event stood out as a space for inspiration and a powerful platform to highlight female leadership in the science and technology fields.
