New hubs front up digital future

By Sunil Peck

A £36 million investment in three new research centres will ensure that disabled people are not left behind by the digital revolution, the government has announced.

The research centres are based at Newcastle, Nottingham and Aberdeen universities.

Researchers will work with disabled people as well as older people and people in rural areas to research the ways in which digital technology can be harnessed to improve access to transport, healthcare and independent living.

Announcing the programme, Lord Drayson (pictured), Minister for Science and Innovation, said that the hubs were unique because they will ensure that everyone benefits from digital technology.

He said: "The hubs will develop new technologies utilising wireless networks and GPS, which will deliver hi-tech digital solutions across many sectors. They will create jobs, improve public services such as health and transport, reduce waste and bring the digital revolution into people’s lives for the first time."

Dr Dave Watson, Chair of the Research Councils UK Digital Economy Programme, said that researchers in Newcastle were working on technology that could have huge benefits for someone with dementia.

He said: "If you can recognise, through a combination of sensors and data collection, that someone with dementia is trying to make a cup of tea and they stop, but you can tell that they are thinking 'what do I do next?' you can prompt them. That could make a major difference to someone's ability to have a life in their own home."

Researchers in the three hubs will also look at how GPS technology and social networking sites can be used to develop car sharing networks by connecting individuals and coordinating offers and requests in real time on mobile devices; developing early warning flood systems for rural areas and satnav devices to help older pedestrians find their way around shopping centres.