One day later, on Thursday, Prince William toured the Bristol Robotics Lab. He tested out revolutionary new technologies developed to enhance the lives of those with mobility challenges and address our planet’s environmental crisis. The visit highlighted the lab’s focus on developing solutions for an aging population, showcasing advancements that may revolutionize how individuals manage daily challenges.
While on his visit, Prince William saw one lady who was kitted out in an exoskeleton suit fitted battery packs. We hope to use this creative device to broaden participation among those with mobility impediments. Representing the lab, Judith Squires said they were jubilant at receiving a royal visit. She added, “That was a genuine privilege.”
The prince was personally involved in working with Matter, a former Earthshot Prize finalist of his. Their mission is to create effective, affordable microplastic filtration systems. Both he and the Princess of Wales enthusiastically participated in a hands-on demonstration. They installed one of Matter’s devices on their home washing machine. They had on hand a sample ball of the red microfibers collected from roughly ten washes of red towels. This raised awareness about the growing and urgent issue of textile waste.
Prince William was especially floored by just how big the issue is.
“I’m genuinely horrified. I can’t get over the size,” – Prince William
He opened two plastic boxes. They were packed with microfibres harvested from an innovative device specifically created to combat pollution caused by the textile industry. This meeting could not have better demonstrated the need for real solutions to protect our environment from toxic pollution.
On his visit to our robotics facility, prince William took our new agile lightweight mobility scooter for a spin. Alongside that work, he was passionate about meeting environmental challenges. This scooter is an example of the lab’s ongoing focus on developing smart technologies that enable independent living for those with mobility restrictions. Judith Squires emphasized the importance of such innovations, stating, “Thinking about ways we can support people to live independent, dignified lives is going to be a game changer.”
In this sense, the Bristol Robotics Lab exemplifies a strong collaboration between the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. Collectively, they are committed to leading the robotics and engineering fields to make the world a better place. The lab creates technological innovations with the goal of meeting the needs of an aging population, such as health monitoring devices.