The Future of Assistive Robotics for Enabling Independence

Blatchford Lecture 2025
Presented by:  Professor Dr Carlos A Cifuentes, Associate Professor in Human-Robot Interaction,
Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

 

The Future of Assistance Robotics for Enabling Independence

Healthcare systems worldwide face mounting challenges, from demographic shifts to workforce shortages. In recent years, advances in wearable technologies, robotics, and artificial intelligence have opened up new possibilities for prevention and supporting people with health conditions and disabilities. This talk will provide insights into how we at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory are co-creating innovative health technologies to empower users, foster independence, and reduce the burden on carers and healthcare systems.

 

Professor Dr Carlos A Cifuentes

Carlos Cifuentes is an Associate Professor of Human-Robot Interaction at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL), University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), UK. He is also the Deputy Director of the VIVO Hub, a £13.4M UK-funded research hub (2024-2030). Carlos has led numerous projects focused on co-designing, developing, testing, and deploying robotic systems for rehabilitation, assistance, and empowerment. His collaborative work with healthcare professionals has examined the short- and long-term impacts of robotic technologies on various health conditions and disabilities. He has served as an Associate Editor for IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine, as well as for ICRA and IROS. With over 200 scientific publications, Carlos is recognised as a leader in human-robot interaction and healthcare robotics.

 

Professor Dr Carlos A Cifuentes

Bristol Robotics Laboratory

VIVO Hub