Prince William’s visit to Bristol Robotics Lab on Wednesday. There, he dove into radical new technologies that address pressing mobility and climate challenges. This visit highlighted the ongoing efforts to develop innovative solutions for an aging population and the challenges posed by microplastic pollution.
While at the lab, Prince William had a chance to engage with an exoskeleton developed to help people with mobility disabilities. He looked at a ball of red microfibers, which had been washed out from an average of 10 washes of red towels. Taken together, the fibers are a grim reflection of the microplastic challenge looming over the textile industry. As he surveyed two plastic boxes overflowing with microfibers, these microfibers were created by a specialized microfiber shedding machine that was developed specifically to combat this problem in textile production.
Most excitingly, the Prince got to experience a groundbreaking new lightweight mobility scooter that is a first of its kind. His involvement with such technologies demonstrates a real dedication to ensuring that innovation creates more ways for people to enjoy high quality lives.
During his visit to the lab, he met with Matter – a previous winner from his Earthshot Prize. Matter’s core technology focuses on innovative microplastic filtration technology to keep our shared environment pure from harmful contaminants. We know that Prince William and the new Princess of Wales are rightly passionate about sustainability. To this end, they’ve installed one of Matter’s devices on their washing machine.
Judith Squires, deputy vice chancellor of the University of Bristol, said she was delighted that Prince William chose to visit. She stated, “Thinking about ways we can support people to live independent, dignified lives is going to be a game changer.” This same sentiment goes in accordance with the lab’s mission to invent technologies that help solve the issues of our growing aging population.
This effort was one element of a larger initiative to promote STEM and sustainability. He noted his astonishment at the scale of the microplastic issue, remarking, “I’m genuinely horrified. I can’t get over the size.”
The Bristol Robotics Lab Overlooking the harbor where. Combined, they are leading the research and innovation of the robotics field well beyond current limits. It’s committed to producing innovations that improve the ways humans move and benefit the planet.