Prince William visited the Bristol Robotics Lab on Wednesday and Thursday, engaging with various projects that showcase advancements in science, technology, engineering, and sustainability. His visit served to further highlight the immediate need for innovation to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Judith Squires, deputy vice chancellor of the University of Bristol, said she was delighted to welcome the Prince. She told us that she had been looking forward to the visit.
On his tour, Prince William took in a variety of projects propelling innovation in Bristol. Among other stops, he made a visit to Matter, a company focused on creating microplastic filtration systems. The Prince inspected a clump of red microfibers. These fibers were from about ten washes of red towels, a poignant example of the big issue of microplastic pollution from textile manufacturing. He viewed two plastic boxes packed with the microfibers dragged in by a machine built to confront this emerging ecological menace.
I’m genuinely horrified. I can’t get over the size. The Prince took a close look at the microfibers. He shared his grave concerns about how damaging textile waste is to our environment.
The Bristol Robotics Lab in Bristol, UK, inspires creativity-driven technological innovation. It’s a pioneering, energetic partnership that has created one of the UK’s leading cities Unlocked, in its third year. Judith Squires, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Bristol, pointed out that much of the lab’s inventions are focused on reducing challenges from an aging society. “Thinking about ways we can support people to live independent, dignified lives is going to be a game changer,” she stated.
Alongside a stop to discover more about microplastic filtration Prince William, Duke of Edinburgh, tested a lightweight mobility scooter while on his visit. He saw first-hand how this ground-breaking new piece of equipment could help people with mobility problems regain their independence. The lab presented an exoskeleton expressly developed for those who endure such struggles.
Zeke Steer founded Matter as a way to meet the needs of those living with dementia. With boyish enthusiasm he detailed his company’s groundbreaking strategy to improve their lives. He detailed how their smart socks have the potential to proactively monitor for increasing signs of agitation or distress in seniors with dementia. The socks are able to sense increasing levels of distress in dementia patients. This provides caregivers with the opportunity to relieve the pain before it becomes intense. Inspired by Emerging Practitioners in Connected Transportation, he shared.
Prince William and the Princess of Wales have already made one of Matter’s devices a part of their home. They mounted it on their washing machine to demonstrate their dedication to combatting environmental concerns.
