Advancing human-robot interaction in social care settings
The National Robotarium, and Heriot-Watt University, are working in collaboration with North Star Housing Group to explore the use of conversational robotics in supported living environments. This partnership forms part of Heriot-Watt’s broader mission to advance socially beneficial robotics and AI through real-world application and rigorous user-centred research.
The project has seen the deployment of a Furhat humanoid robot, known as “Basil”, at Aspen Gardens in Stockton-on-Tees—a North Star extra care housing development. The robot has been programmed to interact with residents and visitors, holding short conversations while also connecting to a smart coffee machine to fulfil basic service functions. While light-hearted in its function, the deployment represents a significant opportunity to investigate how socially assistive robotics can support older adults, improve service delivery, and strengthen social connection.
Led by Dr Theodoros Georgiou, Assistant Professor in Computer Science at Heriot-Watt University, the initiative is underpinned by the university’s world-leading expertise in human-robot interaction, conversational AI, and inclusive design.
This collaboration with North Star is a vital part of our wider research initiative to understand how humans and robots interact in real-world settings. The data we gather will inform the future development of robotics across multiple sectors, particularly in social care where this project represents a critical step in the National Robotarium’s mission to create people-centred, intelligence-driven robotic solutions that can be widely deployed to support an ageing population, such technology could transform service delivery.
The robot’s software includes local knowledge, historical information, and community updates, allowing it to engage meaningfully with users. Through these interactions, the research team is capturing insights into how intelligent systems can be designed to promote dignity, social interaction and personalised support in community-based care models.
The collaboration emerged from a co-design and innovation workshop hosted by the National Robotarium, North Star, and IT consultancy Waterstons, showcasing the strength of cross-sector engagement in advancing technological innovation for public good. North Star Housing—recently awarded 'Most Innovative Housing Provider' at the Housing Innovation Awards—continues to lead on embedding emerging technologies to improve the lives of residents.
This project is aligned with the National Robotarium’s research vision to translate robotics and AI into impactful applications that address national and global challenges in health, care, and ageing. By embedding robotics in community settings, Heriot-Watt and its partners are creating opportunities for inclusive innovation and driving the development of ethical, scalable technologies that support people to live independently for longer.
If you are interested in working with Herriot-Watt University on related projects get in touch via GRID@hw.ac.uk