Art / Bristol Robotics Laboratory
Using robots to help isolated people access art
Disabled people experiencing extreme isolation during coronavirus can now use robots to remotely access one of Britain’s most well-known art galleries.
Bristol Robotics Laboratory, which is based at UWE Bristol, have been working with telepresence robots to connect people who are experiencing extreme isolation while shielding during the pandemic.
Telepresence robots allow a person to feel as if they were present somewhere other than their actual location, and this technology will be used to help disabled people visit galleries virtually.
is needed now More than ever
A robot called Lobster will be placed at the Saatchi Gallery in the Philip Colbert exhibition, and people will be able to experience the artwork using it.
The virtual visitors will be able move around the gallery via their smartphone or computer and zoom into the detail of the paintings and sculptures on display.
Philip Colbert and one of the Lobster robots. Photo: Philip Colbert Studio
“There are numerous applications for telepresence robots within health and social care, and it is disappointing that we are not making more use of these to support people, particularly in these exceptional times,” says Praminda Caleb-Solly, professor of assistive robotics and intelligent health technologies at the Bristol Robotics Lab.
“I hope the use of the telepresence robot at the Saatchi Gallery will help to normalise these technologies and make people more open and willing to explore their potential.”
People can explore the exhibition digitally through the eyes of Lobster, designed by Philip Colbert with the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, the D4D Project and Bath Spa University by booking 30-minute time slots.
The idea for Colbert’s latest exhibition was born from isolation and the severance of human connection through social distancing.
Some of the artwork on display. Photo: Philip Colbert Studio
“The Covid-19 pandemic has served to augment a situation that already existed – the lonely, secluded lives of some people. We need to find ways of preventing this in the future,” says professor Martin Levinson from Bath Spa University and leads the D4D project. “Technology is only part of the solution.
“We all share responsibility for the situation in normal times whereby elderly and disabled people can spend much of their lives in isolation.
“Let’s hope we emerge from all this as stronger and more compassionate communities.”
Main photo: UWE Bristol
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