On the recent UK trip, Prince William toured the Bristol Robotics Lab. He worked with forward-thinking technologies that address some of the most urgent social and environmental challenges. The tour highlighted many sustainable projects all aimed at improving the quality of life for people with mobility issues.
As part of his tour, Prince William was gifted a red microfibre ball. These fibers were sampled from the first ten washes of red towels. Together, this demonstration served to present the urgent issue of microplastics generated by the textile production industry. In recent years, this issue has been at the forefront. He looked at two plastic containers full of microfibres. These microfibres were pulled from a lab machine built to address this specific environmental challenge.
The Bristol Robotics Lab, a collaboration between the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, is at the forefront of research and development in science, technology, engineering, and sustainability. Most, if not all of the lab’s innovations are designed to cater to the needs of an aging population.
One of the impressive projects Prince William met was Matter, a former finalist for his Earthshot Prize. Matter leads in creating microplastic filtration systems that can greatly lessen the environmental assault caused by washing clothes. Even Prince William and the Princess of Wales have one of Matter’s devices in their home washing machine. This new move underscores their ongoing efforts to be truly sustainable business – brilliant environmentally.
At the global center Prince William got to try out an ultra-lightweight, three-wheeled mobility scooter. This creative transportation experience showcased the hottest trends in today’s alternative mobility choices. He observed an exoskeleton designed for individuals with mobility issues, which featured large battery packs to support enhanced movement capabilities.
Judith Squires, deputy vice president of the University of Bristol, said she was delighted that the royal visit had taken place.
“It is a real honour that Prince William has taken the time to visit the lab,” – Judith Squires.
Prince William went beyond environmentalism. Through all of this, he was deeply committed to living with and engaging with technologies intended to make a disability impact on the world. He waved around two Tupperware boxes of the stuff as he made his pitches.
In one insightful moment, he remarked on the scale of microfibres in textiles:
“I’m genuinely horrified. I can’t get over the size,” – Prince William.
Zeke Steer, another creative from the lab, went through some of their products and how they are tackling health challenges.
“(The socks) detect rising levels of distress that a person with dementia may have, giving carers a window of opportunity to alleviate that distress before it escalates,” – Zeke Steer.
The visit underscored Prince William’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovative solutions that support independent living and dignity for all individuals.