In anticipation of the competition, Prince William recently visited the Bristol Robotics Lab. This collaborative art-science project between the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England highlights innovative technologies developed to address some of the most urgent challenges facing society. He then had two days around the state to visit various projects. Throughout this period, he was deeply committed to making life better for people, particularly those with mobility challenges and climate change concerns.
Judith Squires, the University of Bristol’s deputy vice president, greeted Prince William as he entered the lab. She then turned her attention to the lab’s impactful mission. She added that from robotics to alternative materials, most of the technologies in development are focused on addressing the new challenges created by an aging citizenry. In the latter case, Prince William—accompanied by the Lord Mayor of London—experimented with a groundbreaking new mobility scooter that would provide more independent mobility solutions to older adults.
Along with the scooter, Prince William was shown an exoskeleton technology from Ekso Bionics to help empower those with mobility impairments. Rather than relying on off-the-shelf technology, this device features unprecedentedly large battery packs, a testament to the lab’s ingenuity and cutting-edge engineering solutions.
“It was a real honour that Prince William had taken the time to visit the lab and understand its work,” Squires stated, emphasizing the significance of royal attention on such initiatives.
Prince William’s recent tour of the US included an iconic visit to Matter. This ag-tech venture, founded by Zeke Steer, was recently named one of ten Earthshot Prize Finalists. Matter specializes in developing microplastic filtration systems. On his trip, Prince William learned about the environmental harm that microfibers cause. He touched on this with something clearly alarming as he demonstrated one ball of red microfibers that came from only ten washes of red towels.
Steer had some optimistic words to say about the level of innovation in this space. “Thinking about ways we can support people to live independent, dignified lives is going to be a game changer,” he noted while discussing the potential applications of their technology.
One of the projects pitched to Prince William featured a creative approach to monitoring community distress levels. This creative method focuses directly on people living with dementia. Matter’s socks are designed to sense worsening levels of stress. They provide caregivers with crucial information to address discomfort before it escal.
“I’m genuinely horrified. I can’t get over the size,” Prince William commented, reflecting on the scale of microplastic pollution and its implications for health and the environment.
Throughout his visit, Prince William met with multiple ventures that are driving innovation in science, technology, engineering, and sustainability in Bristol. His extraordinary engagement transformed the reality and the perception of these initiatives. It highlighted the importance of partnerships between academic institutions and entrepreneurial endeavors to address today’s most pressing issues.