Prince of Wales Visits Bristol Robotics Lab to See Technology Supporting Independent Living
By Education Correspondent
The Prince of Wales visited the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay campus yesterday to learn how cutting-edge robotics and AI are helping older and disabled people live independently for longer.
Prince William met researchers and start-ups at BRL, the UK’s most comprehensive academic centre for multidisciplinary robotics research and a partnership between UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol.
During the visit, he toured facilities including the VIVO Hub for Enhanced Independent Living, which is developing advanced robotic and digital healthcare solutions to support ageing and assisted living.
Researchers demonstrated smart garments and robotic exoskeletons designed to monitor health, support mobility and aid rehabilitation.
The technologies include robotic clothing that can help prevent falls, assist people in standing up, climbing stairs and walking for longer, and support everyday activities with greater independence.
The Prince of Wales also met founders of start-ups working to improve quality of life for people with disabilities and dementia.
Supersmith, based in BRL’s hardware incubator, showcased its three-wheeled self-stabilising 3Scooter. Co-founder Tom Morgan explained how the design reduces the risk of tipping while allowing users to sit at eye level, helping to break down the stigma often associated with mobility scooters.
Prince William also spoke with Zeke Steer, founder of Milbotix, which is revolutionising dementia care through wearable technology.
Milbotix’s SmartSocks® monitor heart rate and movement to identify signs of distress in people living with dementia, enabling quicker interventions and reducing stress for both users and carers.
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The company is based at Future Space, UWE Bristol’s innovation centre supporting high-growth technology businesses.
Professor Darren Reynolds, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at UWE Bristol, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome the Prince of Wales and show how our challenge-led approach turns ideas into real-world impact. The Bristol Robotics Laboratory is home to entrepreneurs and researchers tackling major societal challenges, from healthcare to wellbeing, while powering economic growth.”
He added that UWE Bristol’s Enterprise Zone now supports more than 70 high-tech start-ups, bringing together research, talent and imagination at a pivotal moment for robotics and AI in the UK.
