The Ambient Assisted Living Lab (AAL) within Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh’s acclaimed National Robotarium, aims to revolutionise the way assisted living care in the UK is delivered in the community using robotics and AI. With its purpose-built facilities within a recreated home setting, scientists and engineers within the AAL will collaboratively research and create robotic and smart technology solutions in its open and remote access living lab, helping improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people with assisted living needs who want to live independently.
Sharing this ethos of improving people’s wellbeing through design, Pressalit has been leading the way in assisted living technologies for the bathroom and kitchen for almost fifty years. Pressalit was therefore delighted to be asked to contribute to the inspiring work being carried out at the National Robotarium.
Professor Lynne Baillie, head of Human-Robot Interaction at the National Robotarium who leads on research into assistive living technologies says:
“The high-spec multi-disciplinary AAL is the ideal setting for our ground-breaking research into the use of robotics and sensor technologies within the home.
“Through the use of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and smart sensors, we are developing technologies that can provide social, cognitive and physical assistance in the home for those who require it, allowing them more freedom, autonomy and independence in their lives.”
“The technology and equipment within the lab, including Pressalit’s clever track systems, which facilitate the movement and adjustment of built-in furniture throughout the different spaces, means we can develop and test our science with real people, emulating their actual homes and living habits, which leads to better and more effective solutions.”
Adam Southcott, from Pressalit, explains, “Assisted technologies form the future. Pressalit’s knowledge and expertise in developing both bathroom and kitchen systems has brought independence to many individuals’ homes and social care settings. We are delighted to be associated with the National Robotarium and the research it undertakes. By combining technologies in the AAL environment, individuals, carers, care homes and social care professionals have a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the innovative solutions that are available, now and in the future, to help transform daily routines and enhance independent living.”
Featured in the AAL is the Pressalit PLUS track system, which allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of different bathroom products. The room can be configured to suit individual user and carer requirements, optimising space for wheelchair or carer access, whilst also future proofing the room.
Meanwhile, Pressalit’s height adjustable INDIVO kitchen system brings a sense of independence to daily tasks in the kitchen and dining room. With a simple press of a button, sink and hob worktop heights can be adjusted to suit standing and seated users, and wall cupboards can be brought within easy reach. Tasks from washing up, cooking and preparing food, to sharing a meal at the table, can be carried out in an environment that is safe, comfortable and inclusive.