The Research Problem
Ageing populations are increasing demand for daily care at a time when care services face persistent workforce shortages and rising costs. Many older adults and people with disabilities struggle with everyday activities such as eating, dressing, and grooming, placing pressure on families, caregivers, and healthcare systems, while reducing independence and quality of life.
Assistive robots could help address this growing care gap. However, current robotic systems are largely limited to simple movements, struggle to handle soft materials like food and clothing, and lack the dexterity and coordination required for natural two-handed tasks. Crucially, they are not designed for close, safe interaction with people in sensitive care settings. Overcoming these limitations is essential if assistive robots are to play a meaningful role in supporting safe, dignified, and independent living.
Research Design
This project asks three core research questions:
- How can robots safely use everyday tools and objects involved in daily care?
- How can two robotic arms work together in a coordinated, human-like way to assist with tasks such as feeding or dressing?
- How can safety and personalisation be built directly into robot control so assistance can adapt to individual needs without increasing risk?
To address these questions, the project develops a bimanual assistive robot system that combines two robotic arms and hands into a single integrated platform. The research methodology focuses on developing and testing new control and learning techniques that enable dexterous tool use, coordinated two-arm actions, and safe physical interaction with people. Rather than creating new hardware, existing advanced robotic platforms are integrated to produce a working proof-of-concept.
The research partnership brings together complementary expertise from University of Leeds, University of York, and University of Alberta. The project operates through shared system development, joint experiments, and regular coordination meetings, with laboratory demonstrations followed by controlled evaluations involving volunteers.
Project Objectives
The project aims to deliver a functioning prototype of a bimanual assistive robot capable of performing selected daily care tasks safely and adaptively. Scientific outcomes include new methods for dexterous manipulation, coordinated two-arm assistance, and safety-focused robot control, alongside research publications and open-source tools to support wider adoption.
Supported by the Worldwide Universities Network, the project leverages international collaboration to combine expertise that no single institution could provide alone. WUN funding enables early-stage integration, comparative research across care contexts, and the development of a strong foundation for future large-scale research, clinical studies, and real-world deployment of responsible assistive robotics.