Assisted technologies form the future! The National Robotarium, Edinburgh. Future-proofing accessible design

The Ambient Assisted Living Lab (AAL) within Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh’s acclaimed National Robotarium, aims to revolutionise the way assisted living care in the UK is delivered in the community using robotics and AI. With its purpose-built facilities within a recreated home setting, scientists, and engineers within the AAL will collaboratively research and create robotic and smart technology solutions in its open and remote access living lab, helping improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people with assisted living needs who want to live independently.

Sharing this ethos of improving people’s wellbeing through design, Pressalit has been leading the way in assisted living technologies for the bathroom and kitchen for almost fifty years. Pressalit was therefore delighted to be asked to contribute to the inspiring work being carried out at the National Robotarium, the UK’s largest and most advanced centre for robotics and artificial intelligence, which recently opened in Edinburgh.

Featured in the AAL is the Pressalit PLUS track system, which allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of different bathroom products. This bathroom is equipped with plenty of our products like the PLUS shower seat, PLUS support arms, and our MATRIX SMALL wash basin with integrated handrail, to name a few. The room can be configured to suit individual user and carer requirements, optimising space for wheelchair or carer access, whilst also future proofing the room.

Meanwhile, Pressalit’s height adjustable INDIVO kitchen system brings a sense of independence to daily tasks in the kitchen and dining room. With a simple press of a button, sink and hob worktop heights can be adjusted to suit standing and seated users, and wall cupboards can be brought within easy reach. Tasks from washing up, cooking and preparing food, to sharing a meal at the table, can be carried out in an environment that is safe, comfortable and inclusive.

Adam Southcott, Sales and Training Consultant from Pressalit, explains:

”Assisted technologies form the future. Pressalit's knowledge and expertise in developing both bathroom and kitchen systems has brought independence to many individuals' homes and social care settings. We are delighted to be associated with the National Robotarium and the research it undertakes. By combining technologies in the AAL environment, individuals, carers, care homes and social care professionals have a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the innovative solutions that are available, now and in the future, to help transform daily routines and enhance independent living.”