Tag: BRL

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.

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

UWE Bristol win funding to deliver “The Bridge – A Creative Studio for Physical-Meta Production”

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

UWE Bristol have recently won funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s (AHRC) Capital Facilities Fund to deliver “The Bridge – A Creative Studio for Physical-Meta Production”. This new space, worth £3.1 million , for interdisciplinary, practice-based, design-led creative research will drive adoption of emerging technologies in the arts and humanities to stimulate novel forms of creative expression and production. The new lab will include New Generation Collaborative Robotic Arms, Motion Capture, Virtual Production, AI, Virtual Reality, Drones, 3D printing and Digital Fabrication.

The investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will support the sector and ensure UK researchers have access to the best labs and equipment they need to keep producing world-class science. UKRI is investing £103 million to expand and upgrade the UK’s world class research infrastructure, including digital infrastructure. UWE Bristol have received £2.3 million from AHRC as part of the UKRI investment.

The new studio is designed to breakdown the barriers between the technology enabling the creative industries and the artistic processes of content production. The space will deliver future-facing research that keeps pace with today’s rapidly changing technologies, whislt considering aesthetic, cultural and ethical implications. The Bridge will be a collision space for researchers from any discipline to work together on the research for tomorrow.

The Bridge will act as a beacon for the West of England and wider regions, seeking novel applications of technology to enhance Arts & Humanities research, whilst supporting the UK’s creative and cultural economy. 

The Bridge will be based on UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus.

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: Robotics Innovation Facility

Author Anna Jones | Posted on

The Robotics Innovation Facility (RIFBristol) is one of five areas that make up UWE Bristol’s University Enterprise Zone. The below spotlight explains its purpose:

Located beside the UEZ café, which forms a central meeting place for the building’s companies, entrepreneurs and academics, is one of the most exciting parts of the University. Identifiable by the array of industrial robot arms and other cutting-edge hardware, visible through its window onto the café – the Robotics Innovation Facility (RIFBristol) is a high tech, inspiring and truly creative space. 

As UWE Bristol’s specialist industry-facing unit within the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) – a collaborative partnership between the city-region’s two universities and the UK’s most comprehensive academic centre for multi-disciplinary robotics research – RIFBristol provides training, research and consultancy services to a range of private and public sector clients.

Recognised as a Digital Innovation Hub by the European Union, it has been successfully delivering robotics workshops, prototyping and validating new products, demonstrating how automation can improve manufacturing processes, and supervising student-industry collaborations, since 2013.

“Our engineers help clients to trial various technical solutions, identifying the best options for their requirements,” says Farid Dailami, Director of RIFBristol and Associate Professor for Knowledge Exchange in Manufacturing.

“They can advise on capital purchases, support the deployment and integration of hardware, undertake research and proof-of-concept work, and deliver training.”

One of the unique strengths of RIFBristol is what it describes as its ‘brand agnostic’ approach. As part of BRL and UWE Bristol, it is not tied to a particular hardware manufacturer or supplier. It is, therefore, under no pressure to favour a particular brand or model and its advice is always honest, unbiased and wholly tailored to its customers’ needs.

This also means that its dedicated workspace in the UEZ is equipped with an impressive range of manufacturing equipment. ABB, KUKA and Universal robot arms sit alongside conveyers, sensors, cameras and laser measuring systems, all of which can be used to address clients’ research, CPD and product development challenges.  

“Our expertise is as diverse as our hardware”, says Dailami. “Our staff have knowledge of industrial robotics, cobotics, mechanical and electronics engineering, mechatronics, smart manufacturing, 3D printing and simulation. This diversity is our strength. We can help with robotics, but we can also bring knowledge and experience of related disciplines into play”

Alongside its private consultancy projects, RIFBristol leads several publicly funded research and business support programmes. The EU-funded TERRINet initiative, for example, enables researchers at all levels, from undergraduates, to PhD candidates and industry-based professionals, to access robotics infrastructure located across Europe. 

Since 2018, RIFBristol has also delivered the ERDF-funded SABRE Programme. This £1m project has enabled small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the West of England to explore the benefits of robotics and automation.

From start-ups, micro-enterprises and sole traders, to larger and more established companies, its free and subsidised services have helped businesses to get the most from these important technologies.

“RIFBristol and the SABRE Programme played a vital role in the completion of our initial prototype. It enabled the company to undertake pilot studies with leading OEMs – and to safeguard the development of this exciting technology in the UK, securing 3 existing, and creating 4 new, jobs in the West of England.”

Dr Evangelos Zympeloudis, CEO, iCOMAT Ltd | www.icomat.co.uk


For more information about RIFBristol visit its website. The University Enterprise Zone is also made up of the Health Tech Hub, Future Space, Launch Space and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory Hardware Incubator.

UWE Bristol and Future Space listed as top Innovators in region

Author rachelpyke | Posted on

TechSPARK recently produced their list of top entrepreneurs, techies and innovators who they have named the Top Innovators in the region.

TechSPARK is a not-for-profit network dedicated to connecting, educating and strengthening the digi-tech cluster in the West. They work with tech and digital businesses from Startups to Scaleups, SME’s to Global Corporations based in the region to help them to grow.

In 2019 TechSPARK compiled a list of top innovators from across the region to celebrate and recognise their achievements. We were delighted that the 2021 list featured Aimee Skinner, Innovation Manager at Future Space and Mark Corderoy, Entrepreneur in Residence at UWE Bristol.

Aimee said:

“I am thrilled to have been named as one of the region’s top 75 innovators. The list is brimming with innovative thinkers, future leaders, and entrepreneurs, and I am proud to be considered amongst them.”

Aimee has background in Environmental Science and a decade of continuous improvement experience in regulated industries. She is currently Innovation Manager at Future Space, as well as co-managing Bristol Innovators’ Group. Future Space is part of the University Enterprise Zone, based on UWE Bristol Frenchay campus, and managed by Oxford Innovation. In her role she actively supports the growth of start-ups and SMEs within the South West, providing a range of business support and advisory services, as well as running University engagement opportunities, such as a dedicated Internship programme for resident businesses.

Mark said:

“It’s really pleasing that our work in the University Enterprise Zone is being recognised. Launching a start-up is an ambitious venture for anyone, and we are always trying to find new ways to help these companies succeed.”

With a background in engineering and technology in a variety of commercial settings, Mark is an experienced Technologist and Mentor. He has been at UWE Bristol for last four years as Incubation Manager for the Bristol Robotics Laboratory the leading and largest academic centre for multi-disciplinary robotics research in the UK and also Incubation Manager for Launch Space, a programme that provides business support and space to start-up businesses in UWE Bristol’s Enterprise Zone.

To contact Aimee email ASkinner@oxin.co.uk and to contact Mark email Mark.Corderoy@uwe.ac.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.

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