The Prince of Wales made a significant visit to the Bristol Robotics Laboratory on Thursday, where he engaged with cutting-edge technologies designed to support the ageing population and individuals with disabilities. During his tour, William examined several pioneering products aimed at enhancing independent living and maintaining physical and mental wellbeing.
Hands-On Experience with Innovative Mobility Aid
Among the technologies demonstrated was a prototype three-wheeled mobility scooter developed by Supersmith, which incorporates unique self-stabilising robotic technology. The Prince personally tested this innovative vehicle, known as the 3Scooter, which is scheduled for launch in the coming spring. Demonstrating his characteristic humour, William joked with the creators that the scooter's maximum speed of 4mph was insufficient for his preferences.
Revolutionary Three-Wheel Design
Tom Morgan, chief executive and co-founder of Supersmith, explained the thinking behind their revolutionary design, which was originally conceived with his sister in mind. She lives with multiple sclerosis and has previously struggled with mobility technology that failed to fully address her requirements.
"Three wheels offer distinct advantages over traditional four-wheel designs," Mr Morgan elaborated. "They provide superior manoeuvrability in confined spaces and crowded environments, making our vehicle suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The lighter, more compact design significantly enhances practical usability in everyday situations."
Patented Robotic Stabilisation Technology
The fundamental innovation lies in addressing the inherent stability challenges of three-wheeled vehicles. "Traditional three-wheel designs tend to tip during cornering or on uneven surfaces," Morgan continued. "Our patented robotic technology actively counters this by gently leaning the vehicle into turns and maintaining perfect upright stability on cambers or irregular ground. This ensures exceptional safety and confidence for users."
Broader Technological Innovations Showcased
Beyond the mobility scooter, William was introduced to additional groundbreaking assistive technologies during his laboratory visit. These included advanced body braces developed by VIVO, designed to enhance independent movement, and SmartSocks created by Milbotix, which monitor vital health metrics including heart rate through innovative wearable technology.
Academic Excellence Driving Innovation
The Bristol Robotics Laboratory represents a collaborative initiative between the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, operating from its Frenchay Campus. With a community exceeding 500 academics, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs, the centre has established itself as a birthplace for numerous robotic technologies addressing real-world challenges.
Professor Darren Reynolds, pro-vice chancellor for research and knowledge exchange at UWE Bristol, commented on the visit's significance: "These emerging startups are tackling crucial societal issues that will substantially improve quality of life while simultaneously powering economic growth. Prince William has witnessed firsthand our dynamic community of technology-focused entrepreneurs and researchers who are fundamentally reimagining future possibilities through robotics and artificial intelligence applications."
The royal visit underscores the growing importance of technological innovation in addressing healthcare and accessibility challenges, highlighting how academic research and entrepreneurial spirit can combine to create practical solutions for vulnerable populations across the United Kingdom.
