Ellen Weir
 |
Email: ellen.weir@bristol.ac.uk Supervisory team: Prof Anne Roudaut, School of Computer Science and Prof Ute Leonards, School of Psychological Science |
|---|
Project Title: TheRobotCourse: An investigation into how large, inflatable, soft robots can be used for therapy.
Project summary
Ellen’s research bridges Human-Computer Interaction and Soft Robotics, exploring how large-scale, anthropodynamic robots can emulate the emotional connection in animal-assisted therapy. By creating robotic systems that interpret and respond to human emotions and body language, her work aims to enhance the accessibility and overall effectiveness of non-verbal therapeutic interventions. This project is supervised by Professors Anne Roudaut and Ute Leonards.
Bio
Ellen Weir is a PhD candidate at the University of Bristol, funded by the EPSRC Centre for Digital Health and Care, under the supervision of Professor Anne Roudaut and Professor Ute Leonards.
Her research lies at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction and Soft Robotics, exploring how large-scale, anthropodynamic robots can emulate the emotional connection found in animal-assisted therapy. By creating robotic systems that intuitively interpret and respond to human emotions and body language, mirroring the role of animals in therapeutic settings, her work aims to increase the accessibility and effectiveness of non-verbal therapeutic interventions. In collaboration with the charitable intervention TheHorseCourse, and the robotic company Air Giants, her research explores innovative ways to improve mental health care through technology. Ellen's interest in this field stems from her passion for using digital innovations to address gaps in health service provision and her commitment to improving care for individuals with mental health conditions.
Prior to her PhD, Ellen earned a BSc in Population Health and Medical Sciences from Swansea University.