How can tech transform stroke rehabilitation?

Our Stroke HIT Lived Experience Group toured the Bristol Robotics Laboratory on 19 March, getting hands on with technology that’s being developed to support people with disabilities, including those affected by stroke.

Watch highlights from their visit

The Laboratory is a collaborative partnership between the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the University of Bristol, and is internationally recognised as a Centre of Excellence in Robotics.

Researchers, led by Carlos Cifuentes, Associate Professor in Human-Robot Interaction, demo’ed their latest prototypes, including smart walking aids for people with cognitive and motor impairment, and a socially assistive robotic ‘dog’.

The group also got an insight into the VIVO Hub for Enhanced Independent Living, which brings together expertise across engineering, psychology, healthcare, and design to co-develop smart, assistive technologies that support older and disabled people to live independently.

We hope that the visit will lead to the Stroke HIT and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory working together more closely to ensure that advances in technology best meet the needs of people affected by stroke.

Here’s what some of the Lived Experience Group had to say:

“The progression of an individual through rehab could really be enhanced with this kind of technology. It’s really encouraging to see what they are doing. It’s amazing to see how collaborative it is as well… bringing us in to give lived experience of how these things can be changed to assist us personally.”

Niraj

“I’m amazed at how much it’s changed since the last time I’ve been here… I’m really, really impressed.”

Sarah

“I just can’t believe what is being looked into, prototyped, tested, lived with, everything. I’m really stunned.”

Laurie

Thank you to Carlos and colleagues for giving the Group such a warm welcome.