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Minister visits Institute for Safe Autonomy to understand AI and robotics in public services

Posted on 11 July 2023

The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology visited the University of York’s Institute for Safe Autonomy to see the latest technological advancements in the development of AI and robotics.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Chloe Smith had her health vital signs to demonstrate the DAISY project.

Chloe Smith, a graduate of the University,had her vital health signs taken with assistance from a social robot -  part of the DAISY project led by Professor Radu Calinescu.

The aim of the DAISY project is to understand whether a social robot could provide instructions on how patients could use medical equipment to measure their own vital signs. It is hypothesised that the interaction with the robot at the triage stage could make communication more effective, reducing patient waiting time and easing the workload pressures on medics.

Huge opportunity

Chloe Smith said: “I was delighted to return to the University of York and visit the Institute for Safe Autonomy, where I explored some of the groundbreaking projects being developed on safe, responsible AI and robotics systems in sectors from medicine to transport.

“I hope AI can bring benefits to our public services with health waiting lists probably being one of the prime examples.

“Researchers at the Institute are seeing if triage can be sped up in A&E in a hospital by the use of a robotic assistant. If people are able to have their measurements or diagnostics done quicker and conveniently and in a way that is in line with getting the right care you expect when you’re in hospital, then this could open up huge opportunities.”

Living lab

The Institute for Safe Autonomy is a ‘Living Lab’ which combines a range of experimental laboratories in robotics, advanced communications and quantum technologies, providing research and development spaces for autonomous systems operating on the ground, underwater and in the air.

The Minister met with Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery and Director of the Institute, Professor Miles Elsden, and spoke to researchers on the DAISY project, quantum optimal communications, and land and air robotics, where she witnessed a demonstration of large unmanned ground vehicles and aerial drones in flight.

Professor John McDermid, Director of the Assuring Autonomy International Programme, and Dr Ana MacIntosh, Programme Manager, also discussed work to provide industry, regulators, researchers and others with guidance in assuring and regulating robotics and autonomous systems. 

In partnership

Vice-Chancellor at the University of York, Professor Charlie Jeffery, said: “We were pleased to meet with the Minister and demonstrate the significant opportunities that the Institute for Safe Autonomy can create by working in partnership with academia, industry, government and civil society to research safe, ethical, real-world applications for autonomous systems.

“Our researchers are conducting truly crucial work to minimise the risks associated with these technologies, whilst exploring how they might impact society, the economy and the planet.” 

The Minister highlighted that Yorkshire had a significant role to play in the development and testing of new AI and robotic technologies.  She said: “This region has seen the highest growth in digital sector jobs across the country and that is evidence for the way that the tech sector is spread across the UK.”

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