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All Together NOW!
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022
www.alltogethernow
They can walk, talk and make you a nice cuppa
A
N ARMY of robots that can talk, use domestic appliances, catch and ferry for you, and be there when you just need a helping hand, are all being perfected.
One of the star features at a special week-long event at the Robotarium, in Edinburgh, was the Earswitch that can be used to operate multiple devices using an ear muscle alone. This could significantly improve the independence of people living with conditions like motor neurone disease and severe strokes. Its creator, Dr Nick Gompertz, from Somerset, said: “The updated Earswitch prototype can now control a single access point from which to surf the internet, control wheelchairs, operate home appliances and even play computer games.” It is operated by detecting movements from a tiny muscle in the ear, giving people the power to switch on lights, make phone calls or type emails entirely hands-free. Dr Gompertz now hopes to embed the device in hearing aids to enable users to switch between conversations aiding clearer audio, or earphones to allow the wider public to link to a multitude of devices with a twitch of the muscle.
ROBOTS AT YOUR CAL At the UK’s National Robotarium, their assisted living lab is set up to operate like a real flat with a kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom. Dr Mauro Dragone said: “Throughout the home we have connected sensors, domestic robots and other assisted living technology to help care practitioners, designers and patients to test the usefulness of assisted living technologies. “Through our Open Ambient Assisted Living project, we have equipped our laboratory to offer real-time interaction with its sensing, automation and robotic equipment, over the Internet. “This provides a platform that researchers, technology and industry users can use to cocreate technology, where time and distance is no longer a barrier – any time, any place access.”
‘They help me to work hard – and they’re fun’ C
HILDREN and young adults with learning difficulties across the North West are benefiting from the robot invasion.
Small humanoid robots are being used to teach children cognitive, language, social and emotional skills that encourage greater participation in the classroom. Known as QTrobots, they have been adopted by disability charity, the Together Trust, which provides education for children and young adults with learning difficulties, disabilities, complex health needs and autism. Tom, 24,
from Stockport, said: “I really enjoy the robots because they help me concentrate and they’re fun. When I work hard it makes me happy, and the robots help me work harder.” Tom’s mother, Frances, added: “We know Tom loves being with the robots and the staff tell us that his progress has been remarkable. He can be very focused and actively listen, and he can stay engaged for a long time. “What we’re hoping to see is Tom actually transferring that ability to stay focused to the things he does when the robots aren’t there.” Jeremy Swinn, acting head of Bridge College in Manchester, one of the trust’s
education centres, said the robots are making a really positive impact. “Many learners have engaged with the robots for lengthy periods of time, longer than they would engage in face-to-face interactions,” he said. “The robots have tended to act as a pivot of attention between the learner and the member of staff and that’s led to sustained interactions – which in turn means better learning outcomes.”
n The programme is being supported by the Innovation Agency, an NHS organisation that specialises in the spread and adoption of health and care innovations.
opening doors . . . broadening minds
HI-T QTro youn learn
