Centre Academics participate in Digital Health and Care Fest

Centre Academics, Dr Mauro Dragone and Dr Christian Dondrup presented at one of the sessions at the 2019 Digital Health and Care Fest on Thursday 21st November. This event, which took place place at the Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow, showcased digital innovation in health and social care, and provided delegates with opportunities to learn about digital initiatives in relation to workforce, innovative technologies, data, transformation and service design, and current research.  It also encouraged debate with key national digital strategy colleagues from Scottish Government, the NHS, academia, industry and the care and support sector. 

Dr Dragone and Dr Dondrup participated in a session titled "Smart Sensing and Robotic Innovation", which introduced the Scottish Research Partnership in Engineering (SRPE) and its role in digital innovation, which is to develop innovative yet sustainable digital and robotic-enabled care solutions that can be effectively integrated with the housing and connected care ecosystem.  This is an urgent priority in tackling the social care crisis in the UK. This interactive workshop identified challenges and opportunities in the current innovation landscape, bringing together academia, and care and support providers. The presenters shared their research in smart sensing and robotics for assisted living and connected social care, the current integration of these technologies by housing organisations, and the potential for engagement with the SRPE.

In addition to presenting, the Centre also showcased some robots including regulars Pepper and Miro, and Maah, our new recruit, a social robot promoting sensory experience and comfort via a 3D knitted robe. CDT student, Alexandre Colle, reported that delegates were very curious to learn more about these robots and their potential for healthcare, with attendees reporting that they felt very positive about the role Pepper, Miro and Maah could play in the care and support sector.