Last week, Prince William began a two-day trip to Bristol. There, he conducted research on emerging tech solutions to mobility and environmental problems. Their visit took place Wednesday and Thursday. It showcased the creative and trailblazing work of universities, talent incubators, and emerging tech companies committed to STEAM disciplines and sustainability initiatives.
While visiting the Bristol Robotics Lab, Prince William took a spin on a prototype lightweight mobility scooter. This lab is an inclusive design collaborative project between the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, aimed at improving user experience. He also witnessed a highly advanced exoskeleton, designed to help people with severe mobility issues walk again.
Judith Squires deputy vice president of University of Bristol hosts Prince William during his visit. They shared the lab’s work to create new technologies that help an older, aging population age in place and continue to enjoy their independence. Squires remarked on the significance of the visit, stating, “Thinking about ways we can support people to live independent, dignified lives is going to be a game changer.”
During the visit, Prince William explored the university’s robotics lab. His travels included a stop to see Matter, a company that was once a finalist in his Earthshot Prize. Matter is focused on building microplastic filtration systems to reduce pollution in the environment and our ecosystems. During this visit, Prince William shared that he and the Princess of Wales have fitted one of Matter’s devices to their own washing machine.
Prince William was shown a ball of red microfibers collected from ten washes of red towels, underscoring the impact of everyday textiles on microplastic pollution. He looked inside two plastic boxes stuffed with microfibers collected from a machine designed to outfit textile factories with a solution to their waste.
Zeke Steer, who founded Matter, stressed how critical their technology is to delivering solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. He explained how their innovative products work: “(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.”
Prince William’s visit to Bristol spotlighted advanced robotics aimed at improving mobility and emphasized the need for sustainable solutions in technology.
“I’m genuinely horrified. I can’t get over the size,” – Prince William