Tag: Bristol Robotics Laboratory

Innovation with impact – exploring robotic solutions for dementia care: in conversation with Dr Carlos Cifuentes

Author Rima Khatun | Posted on

In early October, the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) will host the 2nd Workshop on Enabling Independence with Robotic Solutions for Enhanced Wellbeing. The event brings together experts from sociology, psychiatry, gerontology, dementia care, and robotics to explore how socially assistive robots can support independence, dignity, and wellbeing for people living with dementia.

We spoke to Dr Carlos Cifuentes, Associate Professor in Human-Robot Interaction at BRL, about why this work matters, how it connects to UWE Bristol’s RISE priorities, and what to expect from the workshop.

Can you give us a short overview of the workshop – what it’s about and who it’s for?

This workshop will explore the evolving role of technologies in supporting individuals living with dementia, focusing on human-robot interaction, cognitive support, and the lived experience of dementia in care environments. Bringing together experts in sociology, psychiatry, gerontology, dementia care and robotics, the event will showcase interdisciplinary perspectives on how socially assistive robots can be designed to meaningfully engage with the cognitive, emotional, and social needs of individuals with dementia.

The goal is to foster dialogue around how technology can enhance dignity, autonomy, and quality of life while supporting caregivers in delivering person-centred care.

Why is it important to look at robotics in the context of independence, ageing and dementia?

The increase in the ageing population is inevitable, and care homes are facing a lack of long-term caregivers. Robotics can help address the dual challenges of promoting independence, supporting caregivers, and building sustainable models of future care.

This is the second edition of the workshop. What’s new or different this year?

The first workshop focused on how robotics can enhance wellbeing in ageing populations more broadly. The second edition goes deeper into dementia care, examining human-robot interaction, cognitive support, and the lived experience of dementia in care settings.

Can you share a highlight or example of the technologies being presented or demonstrated?

We have developed a smart assistive walker (Zimmer frame) that can guide people living with dementia while walking in their homes or outdoors. It also helps guide users in performing daily activities, such as preparing a cup of tea or finding specific places. Additionally, it monitors walking patterns and provides alarms to family members and caregivers when needed.

We have also created tablet-based software that integrates with a social robot to deliver reminiscence therapy and promote physical activity for people living with dementia.

How are older adults, carers or practitioners involved in shaping these robotic solutions?

We work closely with care homes and charities. Focus groups and co-design sessions are central to our process, enabling us to gather insights and optimise technologies to better support older adults, people living with dementia, and their caregivers.

Why is the interdisciplinary approach so valuable?

The interdisciplinary approach helps us develop more suitable technologies. Gerontology and psychiatry provide insights into the behavioural modes of people living with dementia. Sociology helps us run focus groups and co-design sessions. Robotics then translates this knowledge into feasible technological solutions.

What role does BRL and UWE Bristol play in leading this kind of innovation?

The assistive robotics group at UWE is leading the co-creation of these technologies, connecting users’ expectations with innovative solutions to empower carers and family members. We are developing an ecosystem that integrates tech innovators in the UK to accelerate translation and improve affordability.

How does this work connect to UWE’s RISE priorities?

We are aligned with RISE priorities, working closely with users to develop simple and reliable solutions that can transform care delivery for people living with dementia. This reflects both Innovation with Impact and Shaping integrated healthcare, helping address the ongoing challenges faced by the NHS.

What do you hope participants will take away from the workshop?

I hope participants will witness our technologies in action and gain a better understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary research in dementia care. We also hope to foster new collaborations and inspire more people to join this field of research.

Finally, what’s next for this area of research?

The next step is to deploy these technologies in care homes so people living with dementia can experience them over the long term. The greatest opportunity for impact is to reduce the pressure and burden on caregivers, while ensuring that everyone has access to dignified, person-centred care.

🔗 Want to know more?
Explore some of the team’s recent research on socially assistive robotics and dementia:

Gerontechnology Journal – Robotic Assistive Technology

IEEE Xplore: Smart Walker for Cognitive Support

IEEE Xplore: Reminiscence Therapy with Robots

Frontiers in Robotics and AI – Socially Assistive Robotics

📅 Workshop details:
Date: Friday 3 October 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Seminar Room OT145, Bristol Robotics Laboratory, UWE Bristol
Registration is required.

📌 RISE connection: This work exemplifies Innovation with impact by co-designing robotic solutions that address real-world challenges in dementia care. It also contributes to Shaping integrated healthcare, one of our four RISE beacons, by bringing technology, health expertise, and lived experience together to improve independence, dignity and quality of life.

SmartSocks® land at UWE Bristol to support innovative ageing research

Author Rima Khatun | Posted on

The first delivery of SmartSocks®DISCOVERY – sensor-embedded wearable socks developed by Bristol health-tech company Milbotix – has arrived at UWE Bristol. These smart wearables will play a key role in the university’s ageing and assistive tech research, as part of the SAW-Health project led by the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL).

Funded by the Medical Research Council, the two-year SAW-Health project is exploring how socially assistive robotic systems can support older adults’ physical, emotional and social wellbeing. UWE is collaborating with AgeUK and the ExtraCare Charitable Trust on the project, which centres around developing a next-generation robotic walking aid that promotes independence and meaningful social interaction in later life.

The SmartSocks® – which look and feel like ordinary socks – are anything but. Embedded with discreet sensors, they monitor skin temperature, heart rate, movement and more, providing real-time insights that will help researchers better understand daily routines, emotional states, and mobility patterns. Because they’re non-invasive and machine-washable, they’re especially valuable for people who may struggle with or reject bulkier devices like wristbands or chest straps.

“Receiving the first SmartSocks® from Milbotix marks an exciting milestone for our research at Bristol Robotics Laboratory. These innovative sensors will allow us to monitor gait patterns in real time, which is vital for progressing our work on walking assistive technologies. By integrating SmartSocks® with our smart walkers and exoskeleton systems, we can start to develop responsive solutions that actively support mobility and independence in older adults and users with neurological impairments.”

Dr Carlos Cifuentes, Associate Professor in Human-Robot Interaction at UWE Bristol.

The SAW-Health team are taking a co-design approach throughout – involving older adults, carers and healthcare professionals in shaping the design of the robotic walker and testing it in real-world settings. The physiological and movement data collected by the SmartSocks® will feed directly into this work, helping the team evaluate user interaction and real-world use.

The socks arrived as a full research-ready kit – including multiple pairs, swappable sensors, a charger and access to a cloud-based data dashboard – and are now ready to be put to work.

“It’s an honour to see SmartSocks®DISCOVERY supporting such vital research. This handover represents an exciting milestone for Milbotix and aligns closely with our mission to improve the lives of older adults through intelligent, wearable technology. We’re proud to support UWE’s innovative and impactful work.”

Dr Zeke Steer, CEO and Founder of Milbotix.

SmartSocks®DISCOVERY is now available to other researchers and students through milbotix.com/shop, including a low-cost starter kit suitable for student and postgraduate projects.

Nurturing Deep Tech Success: UWE Bristol’s long-term support propels Altered Carbon to new heights.

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

‘SmartScent. A portable & compact scent monitoring device housing Altered Carbon’s latest AI-powered chip.’

In the fast-paced world of technology startups, deep tech ventures face unique challenges. Resolving complex technical issues, securing adequate funding, and transitioning from concept to commercial operation demands time, resources, and unwavering patience.

At UWE Bristol, we understand these challenges and have committed to providing long-term support to innovative deep-tech startups. One shining example of this commitment is our partnership with Altered Carbon, a company revolutionizing scent detection technology.

The Altered Carbon Journey

Founded by UWE Bristol alumnus Ali Rohafza, Frazer Barnes and Sam Onwugbenu, Altered Carbon has been on a remarkable journey of growth and innovation. From its early days in UWE Bristol’s Launch Space and Bristol Robotics Laboratory incubators to its current home in our Future Space Innovation Centre, the company has flourished with consistent support from the university. Ali Rohafza affirms this support:

“Without doubt, we would not have been able to achieve what we have without the support of UWE. Our partnership with UWE Bristol has impacted every stage of our journey; mentoring, offices laboratories and workshops, research collaboration, working with students, and finding new staff!”

Today, Altered Carbon boasts a team of 11 staff, with 9 being proud UWE Bristol graduates. This success story exemplifies the power of nurturing talent within the university ecosystem and providing continued support as startups evolve.

Groundbreaking Technology

At the heart of Altered Carbon’s success is its innovative scent detection technology. Using patented graphene chips and an AI platform capable of learning and distinguishing between good and bad scents, the company has developed a system that can detect gases, volatile organic compounds, and complex scent compounds. This technology has wide-ranging applications; from fire detection, food waste management, wound infection and mould detection.

The potential of this technology hasn’t gone unnoticed. Altered Carbon recently closed a £1.3 million investment round, building upon £800,000 of Innovate UK grant finance and previous investments totalling £1 million. This financial backing is a testament to the company’s innovative approach and market potential.

UWE Bristol’s Comprehensive Support

UWE Bristol’s relationship with Altered Carbon spans over six years, demonstrating our commitment to long-term partnerships with promising deep-tech startups.

Our support has been multifaceted, including:

  1. Start-up support and incubation services through Launch Space and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory  (BRL) Hardware Incubator
  2. Access to state-of-the-art facilities at the Future Space Innovation Centre
  3. Collaborative projects with our Health Technology Hub and BRL’s Robotic Innovation Facility
  4. Academic collaboration with the School of Applied Science.
  5. A steady pipeline of talented graduates and undergraduate interns.

Mark Corderoy, UWE Bristol’s Entrepreneur in Residence, emphasizes the importance of this approach:

“At UWE, we don’t just incubate startups; we try to nurture long-term partnerships. Our sustained support for companies like Altered Carbon creates a win-win scenario, driving innovation while providing invaluable real-world experiences for our students and researchers.”

Mutual Benefits

The partnership between UWE Bristol and Altered Carbon exemplifies the mutual benefits that can arise from long-term collaboration between universities and startups:

For Altered Carbon:

  • Access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise
  • A talent pool of graduates and interns
  • Support through various stages of growth and development

For UWE Bristol:

  • Funding for two PhD positions
  • Provision of 20 paid internships for undergraduates
  • Real-world experience and employment opportunities for students and graduates

The Power of Sustained Support

Deep tech development is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. The success of Altered Carbon underscores the importance of sustained support in nurturing groundbreaking innovations. By providing a comprehensive ecosystem that supports startups from incubation to scale-up, UWE is playing a crucial role in driving technological advancements and economic growth in the region.

As we look to the future, the Altered Carbon success story serves as a blueprint for university-startup collaborations in the deep tech sector. It demonstrates that with the right support, patience, and perseverance, transformative technologies can emerge from university ecosystems, creating value for businesses, students, and society at large.

At UWE Bristol, we remain committed to fostering such partnerships, supporting the next generation of innovators, and contributing to the vibrant deep tech landscape in the UK and beyond.

Latest News

Altered Carbon has just been announced overall winner at the United Nations World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards in Rome (October 2024).  

Mr Bug and Bristol Robotics Laboratory Collaborate to Revolutionise Mealworm Breeding

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

Mr Bug, a leading insect protein company, and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL), part of the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) have joined forces in an exciting collaboration aimed at transforming mealworm breeding. This ground breaking project seeks to leverage state-of-the-art technologies, such as sensors and automation, to optimize farming potential and create a sustainable protein source for the future. The project is funded by Defra on the Farming Futures R&D: Sustainable Farm-based protein, Feasibility & Industrial research programme and managed by Innovate UK

The collaboration between Mr Bug and the BRL aims to develop cutting-edge automation techniques for breeding and rearing mealworms. By utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, the project will establish suitable controls to achieve maximum yield.

One of the key focuses of this collaboration is the utilization of a sophisticated monitoring system and automation to ultimately minimise human physical involvement and maximizing efficiency. The aim is to establish best practices that can be replicated in other facilities, whether small-scale private farms or large industrial complexes.

“Insect protein is a fast-growing market that aligns with sustainability goals and commitments to carbon neutrality. It has also been proven to be highly digestible across a range of species. By collaborating with the British Robotics Laboratory, we aim to create a state-of-the-art insect breeding and processing facility that optimizes breeding processes and contributes to a more sustainable food system” said Conal Cunningham at Mr Bug.

Insect-based pet foods are already gaining traction in the market, and with upcoming changes in legislation, this trend is expected to expand into poultry and animal feed, eventually reaching the human food chain. Current estimates project a growth from the current annual production of 10,000 tonnes to 500,000 tonnes by 2030.

Currently, the UK has limited insect breeding facilities, none of which are equipped with the necessary technologies or scale to compete on a global level. However, concerns for the environment and the urgent need for sustainable solutions have provided fresh impetus for innovation to address national and global needs.

Mr Bug aims to create a state-of-the-art insect breeding and processing facility by leveraging expertise, automation, and the Internet of Things to optimize breeding and processing methods. The data collected throughout this project will pave the way for designing scalable processes. With the increasing demand for alternative protein sources, these scalable solutions will play a crucial role in meeting future food needs while mitigating environmental impact.

Professor Mark Hansen, Associate Professor in Knowledge Exchange and External Engagement at UWE Bristol, commented:

“The Centre for Machine Vision, part of the BRL, is excited to partner with MrBug and apply our innovative techniques and know-how to the fascinating new domain of mealworm farming, with the aim of improving yields and increasing the welfare of the insects through AI and vision. We believe this funding will help put the UK at the forefront of this increasingly important area of farming.”

About Mr Bug

Mr Bug is a renowned insect protein company dedicated to revolutionizing the food industry through sustainable protein sources. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Mr Bug aims to provide a future-proof solution that addresses the global demand for protein while minimizing environmental impact.

About the BRL

The BRL is at the forefront of cutting-edge robotics research and development. With a focus on advancing automation and robotics technologies, the laboratory strives to create innovative solutions that have a positive impact on various industries.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr Bug:

  • Conal Cunningham, CEO
  • conal@mrbug.co.uk
  • T: 020 8811 2598

Innovative ‘smart socks’ could help millions living with dementia

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

Inventor driven to act by great-grandmother’s dementia

  • Milbotix’s ‘smart socks’ sense rising distress in those with dementia, autism and other conditions that affect communication, so their carers can intervene before things escalate
  • Current wrist-worn alternatives can stigmatise and cause more distress
  • Inventor Zeke wanted to help after seeing great-grandmother’s dementia journey
  • He volunteered in a care home and went back to university to research new tech ideas
  • ‘That’s what motivated me: to find her a technological solution that might support care staff and family carers’

‘Smart socks’ that track rising distress in the wearer could improve the wellbeing of millions of people with dementia, non-verbal autism and other conditions that affect communication.

Inventor Dr Zeke Steer quit his job and took a PhD at Bristol Robotics Laboratory so he could find a way to help people like his great grandmother, who became anxious and aggressive because of her dementia.

Milbotix’s smart socks track heart rate, sweat levels and motion to give insights on the wearer’s wellbeing – most importantly how anxious the person is feeling.

They look and feel like normal socks, do not need charging, are machine washable and provide a steady stream of data to carers, who can easily see their patient’s metrics on an app.

Current alternatives to Milbotix’s product are worn on wrist straps, which can stigmatise or even cause more stress.

The Milbotix Smart Socks

Dr Steer said: “The foot is actually a great place to collect data about stress, and socks are a familiar piece of clothing that people wear every day.

“Our research shows that the socks can accurately recognise signs of stress – which could really help not just those with dementia and autism, but their carers too.”

Dr Steer was working as a software engineer in the defence industry when his great-grandmother, Kath, began showing the ill effects of dementia.

Once gentle and with a passion for jazz music, Kath became agitated and aggressive, and eventually accused Dr Steer’s grandmother of stealing from her.

Dr Steer decided to investigate how wearable technologies and artificial intelligence could help with his great-grandmother’s symptoms. He studied for a PhD at Bristol Robotics Laboratory, which is jointly run by UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol.

Dr Zeke Steer

During the research, he volunteered at a dementia care home operated by the St Monica Trust. Garden House Care Home Manager, Fran Ashby said: “Zeke’s passion was clear from his first day with us and he worked closely with staff, relatives and residents to better understand the effects and treatment of dementia.

“We were really impressed at the potential of his assisted technology to predict impending agitation and help alert staff to intervene before it can escalate into distressed behaviours. Using modern assistive technology examples like smart socks can help enable people living with dementia to retain their dignity and have better quality outcomes for their day-to-day life.”

While volunteering Dr Steer hit upon the idea of Milbotix, which he launched as a business in February 2020.

“I came to see that my great grandmother wasn’t an isolated episode, and that distressed behaviours are very common,” he explained.

Milbotix are currently looking to work with innovative social care organisations to refine and evaluate the smart socks.

Charity Alzheimer’s Society says there will be 1.6 million people with dementia in the UK by 2040, with one person developing dementia every three minutes. Dementia is thought to cost the UK £34.7 billion a year.

Meanwhile, according to the Government autism affects 1% of the UK population, or some 700,000 people, 15-30% of whom are non-verbal part or all of the time.

Dr Steer is now growing the business: testing the socks with people living with mid to late-stage dementia and developing the tech before bringing the product to market next year. Milbotix will begin a funding round later this year.

Milbotix is currently a team of three, including Jacqui Arnold, who has been working with people living with dementia for 40 years.

The Milbotix Team

She said: “These socks could make such a difference. Having that early indicator of someone’s stress levels rising could provide the early intervention they need to reduce their distress – be that touch, music, pain relief or simply having someone there with them.”

Milbotix will be supported by Alzheimer’s Society through their Accelerator Programme, which is helping fund the smart socks’ development, providing innovation support and helping test what it described as a “brilliant product”.

Natasha Howard-Murray, Senior Innovator at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Some people with dementia may present behaviours such as aggression, irritability and resistance to care.

“This innovative wearable tech is a fantastic, accessible way for staff to better monitor residents’ distress and agitation.”

University Enterprise Zone Spotlight: Future Space

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

Future Space is one of four areas that make up UWE Bristol’s University Enterprise Zone. The below spotlight explains a bit about them:

Who we are

Future Space is an innovation centre, based on UWE Bristol‘s Frenchay campus, within the University Enterprise Zone. The centre offers a range of office space, laboratories, workshops, and coworking facilities designed specifically for high-tech, science-based entrepreneurs and innovators. Future Space is managed by Oxford Innovation, the UK’s largest operator of innovation centres, and manages a growing network of over 25 innovation centres in the UK.

A former head chef, a PhD in cancer genetics, and one of the region’s top 75 innovators; just some of the eclectic accolades of our Future Space Team. With a wealth of experience in business, and managing lab and workspace, we’re on hand to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

What we offer to business

There are many reasons why Future Space is a fantastic location for growing science and technology businesses: Purpose built laboratories; Customisable workshops; and a range of flexible offices and shared spaces. A distinct advantage is the positioning of the centre – on UWE Bristol campus and co-located with the Health Tech Hub and Bristol Robotics Laboratory.

We also have an onsite Innovation team to oversee all the business needs of our community and provide practical business support for our tech and life science residents. As well as running peer networks and 1:1 support, the team organises free expert advice for resident businesses, connects companies with the University, and designs and develops a varied support programme of workshops and Q&As.

An event held in the Hub Space of the University Enterprise Zone

How we work with UWE

Our Innovation team works closely with UWE Bristol to drive collaboration opportunities. If you are a small company in the early stages of development, it can be difficult to find the capacity to carry out all aspects of running the business as well as giving focus to building your product and services. The knowledge and expertise you have in-house is also likely to be limited. Universities can play a key role in helping SMEs grow, with access to skills training, student and graduate resource, academic expertise, and an abundance of practical advice.

Businesses based at Future Space have benefitted from more than 200 engagements with UWE Bristol, from the use of specialist equipment at the university, to funded business assist support through programmes such as the Health Technology Accelerator Programme and SABRE. This support has enabled companies to build new products and services, as well as giving access to valuable knowledge and technical expertise that is needed in the early stages of development.

You can read more in our recent article.

What’s new for 2021/2022

Student and graduate engagement with SMEs are a core focus in the centre, with residents offered fully funded UWE Bristol internships, as well as regular chances to pitch project briefs to degree and masters level students. This year we launched our new internship programme aimed at post-graduate students, as well as undergraduate students – more than 40 interns have been employed in the Future Space community over the years, and these internships bring in vital skills and talent to resident businesses. We will be developing this programme further in 2021/22.

This year, our team also got involved in UWE Bristol’s Digital Innovation Fund, delivering innovation training as part of the ‘Innovation & Bid-writing’ course, delivered to SMEs in the region. This was a great opportunity for SMEs and our Future Space community, and we are committed to working closely on future programmes.

Our strong affiliation with UWE Bristol brings a huge amount of opportunities for resident businesses, from student and graduate engagement, to innovation support, and funding opportunities. The impact of all of this work is seen in the great successes of our community, and you can read about some of these in our cases studies and blogs. We’re excited to see what’s next.

For further information about Future Space please contact info@futurespacebristol.co.uk

UWE Bristol researchers join forces with UK agri-tech experts to develop salad saving robot

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

The Centre for Machine Vision (CMV) at UWE Bristol have joined forces with Agri-tech and machinery experts at Grimme, Agri-EPI Centre, Image Development Systems, Harper Adams University and two of the UK’s largest lettuce growers, G’s Fresh and PDM Produce, in the new Innovate UK-funded project to develop a robotic solution to automate lettuce harvesting.

Whole head, or iceberg, lettuce is the UK’s most valuable field vegetable crop. Around 99,000 tonnes were harvested in the UK in 2019 with a market value of £178 million. But access to reliable seasonal labour has been an increasing problem, exacerbated by Brexit and Covid 19 restrictions. Early indications are that a commercial robotic solution could reduce lettuce harvesting labour requirements by around 50%.

The team from the CMV consist of Antonella Camilleri; Dr Mark Hansen and Professor Melvyn Smith.

Thom Graham,Vegetable Specialist at lead projects partner Grimme said: “One of the greatest challenges facing the horticulture sector is sourcing sufficient seasonal labour to conduct their harvest commitments in a timely manner. In addition, rising cost of labour with no increase in retail price has squeezed margins. Growers are looking at solutions that can reduce labour input costs and maintain their resilience in the sector and we hope our expertise can help.”

Dermot Tobin, Managing Director of Farming at PDM said:

“For many decades our business has relied on seasonal labour for harvesting lettuce. Nearly all the lettuce you see on UK supermarket shelves is cut by hand. Sourcing labour is getting really challenging and with wage inflation rising far quicker than return to grower prices margins are really tight. Our industry needs to embrace robotic technology to reduce our reliance on labour so being involved in this project is of the utmost importance to our business.”

Richard Ellis, Innovation & Research Project Manager of G’s subsidiary Salad Harvesting Services Ltd. said:

“The process of lettuce harvesting has continuously evolved over the past 30 years, with harvest, packing, date coding, boxing and palletising all completed in the field, within minutes of the crop being cut. The cutting process of an iceberg is the most technically complicated step in the process to automate. We are encouraged to be involved and see the results of this project which offers the potential to reduce reliance on seasonal labour.” 

The project will adapt existing leek harvesting machinery to lift the lettuce clear from the ground and grip it in between pinch belts. The lettuce’s outer, or ‘wrapper’, leaves will be mechanically removed to expose the stem. Machine vision will then identify a precise cut point on the stem to separate lettuce head from stem.

A prototype robotic harvester will be developed for field trials in England towards the end of the 2021 UK season, in around September, then at G’s Espana.

Lettuce is also a valuable crop in Europe and the US. 123,000ha of lettuce and chicory was grown in the EU in 2018[i] with similar areas in the US. These areas have similar issues of access to seasonal labour, offering a significant potential market for the lettuce robot.

The Centre for Machine Vision is part of the Bristol Robotics Laboratory. They solve real-world practical computer vision problems. Their particular excellence lies in realising real-world working demonstrators using state-of-the-art (2D and 3D) machine vision and multispectral imaging, combined with the latest machine learning techniques to solve challenging real-world problems.

[i] FaoStat, 2020



UWE researchers use socially intelligent robot in a school to support autistic young people

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

Original story appeared on UWE Bristol website.

UWE Bristol researchers have placed a socially intelligent robot at a special needs school in Somerset to support autistic pupils aged 12 to 19 with their wellbeing and emotions over a three-week period.

The robot, known as Pepper, is can take part in a range of social and physical activities with children, such as story-telling, dancing, and relaxation techniques which are designed to help autistic pupils manage their emotions and wellbeing. Many autistic children can have difficulty regulating their emotions and require calming and stimulation to help them engage with school-based activities.

UWE researchers Dr Louis Rice, Associate Professor in  Architecture and the Built Environment; Dr Nigel Newbutt, Senior Lecturer in Digital Education; and Dr Séverin Lemaignan, Associate Professor in Social Robotics and AI, were funded in part by the universities Vice-Chancellor’s Challenge Fund.

UWE Bristol’s Vice-Chancellor’s Challenge Fund enables researchers to reach beyond their research centres, departments and faculties; look outside of their disciplines; and develop exciting new research with colleagues working in different fields. The University’s aim is to support collaborations that are ready to respond to external funding calls which require innovative interdisciplinary responses to meet future opportunities.

Dr Severin Lemaignan, said: “The use of robots to support autistic children is not entirely new. However, while previous research has focused on teaching skills to children, our autistic participants told us this is not what they actually need. Our approach focuses instead on wellbeing and child-led interactions. Our robot lives in the school’s corridors; Pepper engages with the children on their terms.’’

Find out more about the trial in the full story here.

UWE Bristol Active Living Architecture: Controlled Environment (ALICE) project selected to be showcased on EU Innovation Radar Website

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

The Active Living Architecture: Controlled Environment (ALICE) project has been recognised by the European Commission’s Innovation Radar team has an Innovation Highlight and will be showcased on their website.

The project, which follows on from the Living Architecture research programme, is a joint venture between UWE Bristol, Newcastle University and Translating Nature.

The aim of ALICE is to introduce and familiarise sustainably-minded promotors such as architects, designers, engineers, “green” businesses and their clients, to advocate the use live microbes as processors of waste within our homes and cities.

ALICE aims to provide a publicly accessible interface that is activated by household waste, namely urine and grey water. It exploits the properties of the integrated bioreactor system developed for the Living Architecture (LIAR) project. Creating a useable context and habitat that can be exhibited at biennales or festivals and explored by these audiences. ALICE catalyses a conversation about the future of sustainability in homes and public buildings, as well as the lifestyle changes implicit in adopting this new generation of utilities.

ALICE is a highly personal experience where ‘users’ may understand how waste can be dealt with differently in the home by putting it to good use. ALICE takes the form of a cabin and through a digital interface that translates data into graphical animations, participants will be able to see how their waste ‘enlivens’ the cabin’s performance. For example, turning on LEDs, or charging small mobile devices.

Conceptually, ALICE may be likened to the ‘tamagotchi pet’, a digital toy that flourishes through the owner’s digital care and attention. In this way, ‘care’ for ALICE is through its feeding and engagement with audiences. The system will also collect data that will help the innovators better understand the performance and potential usage of such a system outside the laboratory space so that appropriate prototypes for market can be developed.

UWE Bristol lead for the project Ioannis Ieropoulos, Professor of Bioenergy and Self-Sustainable Systems and Director of the Bristol BioEnergy Centre, at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, commented on the project: We are delighted for this recognition by the European Commission, which is an important milestone in our endeavour to make this technology widely available. The work of our partners has enabled the successfully translation of a complex technology into a visual representation that is highly appealing to a wide audience and this could have only been achieved through open-minded collaboration. We very much look forward to seeing this installed in everyone’s home.

Congratulations to Ioannis and the team for the recognition of their project.

Case study: How happy is your pig?

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

Professor Melvyn Smith was recently interviewed by KTN about his research into the emotional state of pigs. The below case study was written by Alan Cowie at KTN as part of their annual report:

Innovation in agriculture has advanced significantly over the past century. In 1920 it would take a farmer an hour and a half to till one acre of land. In 2020, it takes 5 minutes. It’s not just the technology which has effected change, it’s ever-changing societal attitudes which continue to revolutionise not only agriculture but other industries too.

Today’s farmer is not only interested in their animals’ physical health, but also their emotional wellbeing. We’re not pretending these animals are not being reared for food, but we all have a responsibility to ensure animals are content, happy and healthy throughout their lives, and healthier animals deliver higher yields.

One person who is doing that more than most is Mel Smith, a professor at the Centre for Machine Vision (CMV), based at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, which is jointly run by the University of the West of England (UWE) and Bristol University. It was originally set up in 1999 to study industrial inspection, metrology, surface analysis and quality control. Over the years, and with extensive support from KTN, the CMV has completed projects in defence, health and, more recently, AgriFood. Projects have involved an EPSRC[1] funded trial using 3D imaging technology for facial recognition, examining the colon and the oesophagus for tumours and polyps, and 2D imaging grass fields using a convolutional neural network to locate and identify species of weed.

Where Mel wants to make a real impact is in animal welfare. “Tagging a pig’s ear can cause pain and distress to the pig” explains Mel. “Tags can also get ripped off and they get dirty. So what if there was a way of identifying the pig without even touching it?” This is where Mel’s photometric stereo technology comes in. In a recent trial[2], a drinker was adapted and fitted with a motion activated webcam, which takes thousands of pictures of the pigs’ faces every day, feeding a computer algorithm which successfully identifies the animal with 97% accuracy. But this goes beyond facial recognition. Mel believes his work shows that pigs are revealing their emotional state through facial expression. Are they happy? Are they content? Are they nervous? 

“You can interrogate the neural network to ask it which parts of the image it’s using to tell whether it’s a happy face or not. It produces a heat map showing the areas of the face it’s using to assess happiness. For pigs’ faces, it is around the eyes, ears and the top of the snout which relate to expression.” 

Mel has been collaborating with other researchers on the potential of using existing technologies and applying them in new ways. In one example, he explains how a system which was originally designed to analyse aggregate particles in the construction industry, has found new uses in agriculture, to check the body condition score of livestock, a measure of the health and welfare of animals. Mel explains how it involves a camera which takes a normal image and a 3D depth image. Looking down on a cow, it captures data as it walks underneath. “We’re looking at how bony the animal is – around its hindquarter, where you have its hook and pin bones. If they’re sticking through, they have a low body condition and if they’re nice and fat and rounded, they have a high body condition.” 

Happier animals are more productive and deliver higher yields, so there is a commercial advantage, as well as a social advantage. In an industry where profit margins are often very tight, new practices which promote efficiency or boost productivity are usually welcomed. We may be some way off seeing widespread livestock facial recognition in all farms, but attention to our environment and ecology is only increasing. Who knows where we’ll be in the next century. We already have ‘free range’ and ‘organic’ stickers on our food. Will we have ‘certified pig happy’ too?

Be it for commercial or animal welfare benefits, it’s clear Mel is passionate about using this technology for good. Mel says “It’s about finding a niche where we can make a contribution and machine vision technology has real value for the wellbeing of animals. If we can be at the forefront of this, and do something that’s cutting edge, that’s quite a motivation for me.”

Whilst many of the technologies Mel describes are not necessarily new, they are being applied in novel ways, and KTN has played a key role creating new opportunities and new connections for Mel.

“KTN have had a transformational impact on helping us to deploy our Machine Vision skills to collaborate with agriculture and food industry partners. We have really benefitted from the ability to network through KTN. Their funding expertise and knowledge of the AgriFood industry has led us to many new innovation opportunities that we would not have identified ourselves. Several of these projects have resulted in products that are now reaching a commercial stage”.

[1] Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

[2] Watch “Connected – the hidden science of everything”, episode one, on Netflix.

Alan Cowie is the Partnership, PR and Communications Lead at KTN.

Back to top