How can robotics and assistive technologies help create a more accessible and inclusive future?

How can robotics and assistive technologies help create a more accessible and inclusive future? As the Bristol Robotics Laboratory celebrates 20 years of pioneering research, this event brings together researchers, practitioners and the public to explore how technology is changing the way we live, move and recover.

From rehabilitation and mobility to artificial intelligence and assistive robotics, we’ll look at the technologies being developed to support greater independence in everyday life, whilst asking: What does it feel like to use these technologies? Can we trust them? Who gets to shape their development, and how do we make sure they work for the people who need them?

Alongside the panel discussion, you’ll be able to see demonstrations, meet researchers and take a tour of the Bristol Robotics Laboratory. Part of the Being Human Festival 2026, Crossroads, the event explores what happens when people and technology meet.

Event Timings

18:00 Arrival & registration in Foyer.

18:30 Event starts in Waterside 3.

19:15 Q&A.

19:45 Event ends/livestream ends.

19:45-21:00 Networking and drinks.

About BDAS

The Bristol Distinguished Address Series (https://www.uwe.ac.uk/events/bristol-distinguished-address-series) (BDAS) is brought to you by UWE Bristol, and provides an opportunity to hear unique perspectives and insights from change makers, activists, entrepreneurs, and people who have achieved amazing things in Bristol and beyond.

Book your place

You can attend this event in person or watch online via live-stream.

Attending in-person: Watershed, Bristol. Further information on how to find us will be emailed to you a few days before the event.

Attending online: The livestream link will be emailed to you a few days before the event.

Accessibility

UWE Bristol welcomes all abilities/disabilities, ages, ethnicities, and genders to our events. If you have any questions, concerns or additional requirements then please let us know, by contacting events@uwe.ac.uk, so that we can make your time at this event as comfortable as possible.

Venue information:

Disabled parking: Yes

Step-free access: Yes

Accessible toilets: Yes

Assisted Listening: Yes

Guide/assistance dog-friendly: Yes

Quiet spaces available: Yes

Data Privacy Policy

We are committed to protecting your data and privacy. The information you provide will be used to plan, deliver, monitor attendance, and promote our corporate events. Your records are stored on a secure database and access is restricted to those who need the information in order to carry out their duties at UWE Bristol. We may occasionally share your information with other university departments in order to tell you about activities we think will interest you (e.g., College events).

When you register for an event online via Eventbrite, the information you provide when booking will be processed and stored by Eventbrite in accordance with their privacy policy and terms.

Official photography, filming is taking place at this event. Please be aware that we will be taking photographs at this event for publicity and promotional purposes. Images may be included in University publications, University promotional materials and published on the University website and social media channels. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of the events team know when you arrive at the event.

We will also be filming and live streaming the event for our online audience via UWE Bristol’s YouTube channel. If you do not want to be filmed, please let a member of the Events team know on arrival at the event, and they will ensure you are sat in an area of the venue that is not within view of the camera. We will record any contributions from the audience as part of the Q&A session, please be aware of this if you wish to ask a question at the event.

Please see the Corporate Events privacy notice for further information relating to how we process your data, which can be found here (https://www.uwe.ac.uk/about/structure-and-governance/data-protection/privacy-notices).

Description supplied by the event organiser.