The new VIVO Hub for Enhanced Independent Living, will work with the NHS, charities, care providers and industrial partners to develop healthcare technologies to restore the independence of older people and people with disabilities by developing in-home, on-body physical assistance devices to enhance their lives.
VIVO devices include clothing that ‘puts itself on’, smart garments to help prevent falls, and soft exosuits to help people get up from a chair, climb stairs and walk for longer. VIVO power clothing combines AI and digital monitoring technologies with on-body energy storage and power delivery to help people to go to the shops, meet friends and be active in their communities.
The Hub is led by the University of Bristol with partners University of the West of England (UWE), University College London (UCL), Imperial College London and the University of Strathclyde.