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EC Funding Boost For Revolutionary Robot
June 11, 2001Staffordshire University is leading a pan-European project worth £2.5 million to develop a revolutionary concept in robotic engineering which will give disabled people greater freedom.
The Flexibot is the brainchild of Professor Mike Topping and his team which is based at the University's Centre for Rehabilitation Robotics. A world-wide patent has been filed for the invention.
The proposed snake-like device would perform an array of tasks around a disabled person's home, such as prepare and cook a meal; wash and shave a person's face; or even vacuum clean carpets.
Mike and his team will lead a consortium made up of organisations drawn from seven European countries. The concept has so impressed officials at the European Commission (EC) they have awarded the project 2.3 million Euros (equivalent to around £1.5million) while the remaining funding will come from the consortium's commercial partners.
The European partners - each dedicated to researching part of the complex concept - include:
"˘ Belgium Centre for Domotics and Immotics, Brussels.
"˘ Centre Bouffard-Vercelli, Montpellier, France.
"˘ Lund University, Sweden.
"˘ Scuola Supperiore Sant Anna, Pisa, Italy.
"˘ University Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
"˘ Dominic Savio Institute, Brussels, Belgium.
"˘ Domus Academy, Pisa, Italy.
"˘ Meyra Wheelchairs, Germany.
"˘ West Midlands Regional Health Authority, Birmingham, UK.
"˘ Rehab Robotics Ltd, Staffordshire University, UK.
Following the funding fillip, Professor Topping, a recognised worldwide leader in robotic design, is confident that a working version of Flexibot will be available within 12 months.
"We were delighted to have won the support of the EC who have recognised the potential of this project," said Professor Topping. "This is a fantastic opportunity to make a huge difference for people with disabilities."
Professor Topping said the EC has placed confidence in the Flexibot project because of a decade of pioneering work in rehabilitation robotics already undertaken by Staffordshire University and its Centre for Rehabilitation Robotics.
Previous successes have included the Handy 1, a portable robotic arm which helps disabled people to carry out a number of everyday tasks, such as feeding, washing or applying make-up.
"We have built up a tremendous reputation over the past 10 years," said Professor Topping. "The Flexibot is the culmination of that research and I am now at the threshold of completing a life's ambition by being able to create the ultimate robotic aid for the disabled."
Professor Topping explained the revolutionary concept behind Flexibot. "It will be a multi-jointed device which is powered by motors situated within the robot's tube-like body. The Flexibot will be able to move around the house like a caterpillar, clamping itself to series of pre-arranged portals placed along the walls, ceiling or floor.
"Scientists, I believe, haven't realised the full potential of robotic technology but I am convinced that this system will provide a breakthrough. What is really good about the Flexibot is that it doesn't need floor space because it moves independently around the house by crawling along the walls or ceiling."
As well as helping to improve the lives of disabled people, Professor Topping said Flexibot could be applied to a multitude of tasks which would be of benefit to society in general, both domestically and within industry. With the appropriate attachments, the robot could be programmed to inspect bridges; mow lawns and tend gardens; or even dive to great depths to work on submarines.
Staffordshire University
Mike and his team will lead a consortium made up of organisations drawn from seven European countries. The concept has so impressed officials at the European Commission (EC) they have awarded the project 2.3 million Euros (equivalent to around £1.5million) while the remaining funding will come from the consortium's commercial partners.
The European partners - each dedicated to researching part of the complex concept - include:
"˘ Belgium Centre for Domotics and Immotics, Brussels.
"˘ Centre Bouffard-Vercelli, Montpellier, France.
"˘ Lund University, Sweden.
"˘ Scuola Supperiore Sant Anna, Pisa, Italy.
"˘ University Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
"˘ Dominic Savio Institute, Brussels, Belgium.
"˘ Domus Academy, Pisa, Italy.
"˘ Meyra Wheelchairs, Germany.
"˘ West Midlands Regional Health Authority, Birmingham, UK.
"˘ Rehab Robotics Ltd, Staffordshire University, UK.
Following the funding fillip, Professor Topping, a recognised worldwide leader in robotic design, is confident that a working version of Flexibot will be available within 12 months.
"We were delighted to have won the support of the EC who have recognised the potential of this project," said Professor Topping. "This is a fantastic opportunity to make a huge difference for people with disabilities."
Professor Topping said the EC has placed confidence in the Flexibot project because of a decade of pioneering work in rehabilitation robotics already undertaken by Staffordshire University and its Centre for Rehabilitation Robotics.
Previous successes have included the Handy 1, a portable robotic arm which helps disabled people to carry out a number of everyday tasks, such as feeding, washing or applying make-up.
"We have built up a tremendous reputation over the past 10 years," said Professor Topping. "The Flexibot is the culmination of that research and I am now at the threshold of completing a life's ambition by being able to create the ultimate robotic aid for the disabled."
Professor Topping explained the revolutionary concept behind Flexibot. "It will be a multi-jointed device which is powered by motors situated within the robot's tube-like body. The Flexibot will be able to move around the house like a caterpillar, clamping itself to series of pre-arranged portals placed along the walls, ceiling or floor.
"Scientists, I believe, haven't realised the full potential of robotic technology but I am convinced that this system will provide a breakthrough. What is really good about the Flexibot is that it doesn't need floor space because it moves independently around the house by crawling along the walls or ceiling."
As well as helping to improve the lives of disabled people, Professor Topping said Flexibot could be applied to a multitude of tasks which would be of benefit to society in general, both domestically and within industry. With the appropriate attachments, the robot could be programmed to inspect bridges; mow lawns and tend gardens; or even dive to great depths to work on submarines.
Staffordshire University
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