Once head of design at Mothercare and the creator of Nigella Lawson's kitchenware range, Sebastian Conran has shifted careers. Now, he's making robots for older people. His startup, Consequential Robotics, is developing robotic wheelchairs and kitchen helpers - but its first product is a puppy.
A friendly, autonomous robo-dog, MiRo is intended to help keep elderly people safe by reminding them to take medication, suggesting a cup of tea to keep them hydrated, informing them that it's cold outside or contacting assistance if they fall. "We're trying to reverse-engineer nature and mimic biology, so MiRo is completely autonomous," Conran explains. "It can find its way around and charge itself, and doesn't need to be told what to do."
As a child, Conran, who is the son of designer Terence Conran, wanted to be an inventor. He intended to study mechanical engineering, "but my dad told me to do industrial design". In 2001, he was appointed designer in residence at the University of Sheffield. It was there that he began working with roboticists: "I took their slightly awkward devices and made them emotionally engaging," he says.
In 2014, he designed the Buddi wristband, a GPS tracker for older people, which can detect a fall. Conran, 60, says the project made him realise that "emotionally engaging design had a great deal to offer the engineering community". With this in mind, he teamed up with Sheffield roboticists Tony Prescott and Ben Mitchinson to spin out Consequential Robotics.
PARO: Developed by Japanese firm AIST, this robotic baby harp seal responds to light, touch and sound. The device costs £4,000 and has been providing "animal therapy" since 2003.
BUDDY: This £564 device from Paris-based Blue Frog Robotics detects falls and reminds owners about medication and appointments. It can even conduct limited conversations.
Conran describes MiRo as a screenless computer. The companion links several sensors, including a wristband that monitors vital signs. Its six senses include touch sensitivity and sharp hearing. MiRo uses its sonar sense to help navigate surroundings, and whereas many companion bots rely on voice control, it also responds when its associated wristband is touched. "Instructions include hugging for help or slapping for stopping," Conran says. "It's good for people who may be cognitively impaired."
MiRo is available as a software kit for developers, and a £600 consumer version will go on sale in September 2018. In the meantime, Conran is also developing a robotic wheelchair and an automated kitchen with arms that can cook. He calls his approach "human-centred", but it's closer to animal-centred. "In many respects," he says, "animals are much smarter than today's robots."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
