Back to the future at Miners Court in Cornwall

Miners Court residents get to grips with robotic technology

Residents at Miners Court in Redruth were given the chance to meet a selection of robotic creatures as part of an EPIC Tech event hosted at the Coastline Housing scheme.

Therapeutic pets including an animatronic seal, dinosaur and puppy joined forces with Pepper the robot to socialise with residents and even lead them in a dance fitness routine.

Donna Pollard, Registered Manager at Miners Court, said: “Everyone thought the therapeutic pets were just amazing and the residents really loved holding them and interacting with them. Pepper the robot and her Zumba routine went down a storm and it was great to see so much physical activity and exercise going on.

“There are huge benefits to be utilised in terms of the impact technology can have on an aging population. It’s now easier than ever to get access to the internet, connect with family and friends, listen to nostalgic tunes and much more. All of these things open up exciting opportunities for our residents and many of them are keen to find out more.”

Residents also had the chance to have a go at a virtual reality experience, learn about Skype and digital assistants, find out about online shopping opportunities and much more.

EPIC is a three year Plymouth University project part funded by the European Regional Development Fund with the aim of helping to improve health and wellbeing with the use of technology. In turn, it is hoped this will benefit the local economy.

Kirsty Marrs from the University of Plymouth said: “We love interacting with the people of Cornwall, and introducing them to new technologies, even dancing robots – it’s a great way to start the conversation on eHealth, get ideas flowing and show how technology can help to improve lives day to day - which we hope will continue long after the project finishes.”

The technology event was hosted and funded by EPIC, with sessions on the day supported by Coastline Housing, Smartline, Borrow Box and Cornwall Link.