Bristol start-up Service Robotics, which is developing a robot companion service for the elderly, has chosen the tech and health innovation hub Future Space at UWE as its new base.
The firm’s engineer/entrepreneurs Rob Parkes and Tim Morgan are devising a robot powered by artificial intelligence (AI) called ‘Genie’ to help older people live independently as well as alleviating loneliness. 
According to the Office of National Statistics, 3.8m people over 65 in the UK live alone – 2m are aged 75 plus. Additionally, surveys by organisations such as Age UK indicate that 1.9m people often feel ignored or invisible.
Rob described Future Space on UWE’s Frenchay Campus and which gives the firm access to UWE’s neighbouring Bristol Robotics Lab, as a fantastic place. “It’s professional and hi-tech, and the perfect innovation centre for start-ups like us,” he said.
“There are plenty of businesses here who live a parallel existence to ours. It’s great to be able to tap in to the creativity of all kinds of tech start-ups, to learn from each other and build lasting relationships that could lead to groundbreaking collaborations.”
“Having access to the Bristol Robotics Lab has been invaluable in helping to evolve Genie as we’ve been able to work with their consultants, tapping into their skills to develop the pilot project.
“The Health Tech Hub is part of the UWE Enterprise Zone which has a mock apartment to simulate real life situations and solutions. The hub will be instrumental in testing Genie in real time, seeing how it interacts in the home and with real users.”
Future Space innovation director Nuala Foley added: “Service Robotics is doing some incredible work which has the potential to revolutionise many aspects of the elderly care system, so we’re delighted they’ve chosen Future Space as a base from which to grow and we look forward to helping them in their growth and innovation journey.
“At Future Space, health and tech companies benefit not only from the flexible workspace but also from a network of other fascinating and fast-growing companies and professional support services.”
Future Space offers expert one-to-one business support to maximise growth for its customers as well as hosting workshops in which the SME owners can get specialist support from lawyers and accountants.
