Three new centres which will develop digital technology to transform the lives
of the elderly, disabled, and people in rural communities will be announced today
by Lord Drayson, Minister for Science and Innovation.
Building on plans to provide universal connectivity to broadband in the UK, the
new research 'hubs' will be based in Nottingham, Newcastle and Aberdeen universities
and are the biggest investment ever made by the research councils in creating a
Digital Britain.
Their mission will be to connect people with digital technology to radically
improve the way we live, work, play, and travel to ensure that everyone is included
in our digital future. The centres will also develop new ways to utilise digital
technologies to help business and stimulate economic growth.
Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:
"New technologies can transform our quality of life. The unique thing about
the new hubs in Aberdeen, Newcastle and Nottingham is the focus on designing
digital technology that includes people from all walks of life – this will ensure
that everyone is part of our digital future.
"The hubs will develop new technologies utilising wireless networks and GPS,
which will deliver hi-tech digital solutions across many sectors. They will
create jobs, improve public services such as health and transport, reduce waste
and bring digital revolution into people's lives for the first time."
Highlights of research to be carried out by the hubs include:
- A small wireless body systems monitoring kit that could help revolutionise
NHS emergency response systems.
- Ambient Kitchens - equipped with sensors located in utensils, appliances,
cupboards and work surfaces, the Ambient Kitchen will help dementia sufferers
live independently by monitoring the user as they follow the instructions in
a cookbook recipe.
- Digital Jewellery – the manufacture of ceramic brooches that vibrate
gently when touched, and cause a similar vibration in a corresponding brooch
belonging to a loved one many miles away.
- The combination of social networking systems such as Facebook and
GPS technology to dramatically develop car sharing networks by connecting
individuals and coordinating offers and requests in real time on mobile devices.
- Integrated transport information systems providing up to minute travel
planning advice across all modes of transport.
- New forms of entertainment that respond to people's emotional experiences
in real time. Including rollercoaster rides that know when you’re scared
- ‘Walking satnav’ devices that can help older pedestrians navigate
around shopping centres and large shops.
- Early warning flood systems for rural residents and businesses.
Aberdeen – transforming rural communities
The Aberdeen digital research hub will focus on rural issues such as access to broadband,
health and public transport, and natural resource, to transform rural areas. The
project will revolutionise how the NHS delivers healthcare in these communities.
Scientists from Aberdeen will be working in some of the most remote parts of the
UK but solutions developed there could be rolled out to rural areas throughout UK.
By including rural areas in our digital future it is estimated we could help to
release more than £350billion into the UK economy.
Nottingham – developing business opportunities and transport
The Nottingham hub will be looking at ‘always on, always with you’ technology. The
hub will promote creative industries such as internet and mobile phone gaming as
well as online smart marketing tools for retailers. The centre will also help reduce
carbon levels by developing communication tools to encourage more car sharing. After
flying, cars are the UK’s second largest source of carbon emissions so tackling
single person car journeys is a priority. Research shows that while almost 50 per
cent of us have considered car sharing but only 10 per cent currently do so more
than once week.
Newcastle – new technology for social inclusion
The Newcastle hub will make sure everyone - young, older and disabled - is included
in our digital future. By 2050 more people will be over 65 years of age than under
16 in the UK. Newcastle will work with older people to design simple, intuitive
interfaces tailored to their needs. One example of their work is the use of GPS
locating technology to bring independent mobility to dementia sufferers.
Contact
EPSRC Press Office
E-mail: pressoffice@epsrc.ac.uk
Tel: 01793 444514