Prince William made a recent trip to the Bristol Robotics Lab, discussing some of the most exciting new innovations in robotics and sustainability. He captions the dynamic solutions he saw on display during two inspiring days, Wednesday and Thursday. Together, these solutions addressed such global challenges as microplastic pollution and mobility access.
On his visit, Prince William was gifted an example of red microfibers ball. These microfibers were picked up in only about ten washes of red towels. Production of textiles from the demonstration released an alarming 1.7 million tons of microplastics into our environment. For everyday textiles! The Prince observed two plastic boxes filled with microfibers extracted from a machine specifically designed to combat microplastic pollution in textile manufacturing.
Bristol Robotics Lab is a collaboration between University of Bristol and University of the West of England. Collectively, they are helping to create waves of innovation in the world of science, engineering and sustainability. Much of its work is focused on developing ideas to meet the needs of an aging population with new and creative approaches.
Leapfrog Prince William experienced many innovative technologies as part of his visit, including a ground-breaking lightweight mobility scooter. He road-tested the innovative device, which holds great potential to significantly improve mobility for people with various physical impairments. He got to test an exoskeleton prototype, looking to help people with mobility challenges walk again.
Judith Squires, the University of Bristol’s deputy vice chancellor, said they were delighted by news of the royal visit. She added that it was a “real honour” for the lab to host Prince William. She emphasized the need for a greater focus on enabling independent living for people with limited mobility.
“Thinking about ways we can support people to live independent, dignified lives is going to be a game changer,” – Judith Squires
Additionally, Prince William made a visit to Matter, a former Earthshot Prize finalist he helped found. Matter is focused on creating microplastic filtration systems that would dramatically decrease the amount of pollutants that reach our ecosystem. In his remarks, the Prince underscored his personal commitment to the cause. He continued that he and the Princess of Wales have actually put one of Matter’s devices in their own washing machine!
During a visit to see some of the lab’s new research projects, Prince William shared these rising fears about the pervasiveness of microplastics. “I’m genuinely horrified. I can’t get over the size,” he remarked, indicating his alarm at the scale of the issue.