Bath Institute of Medical Engineering, University of Bath

The Bath Institute of Medical Engineering (BIME) celebrates its 40th anniversary of bringing engineering solutions to medical and healthcare problems. BIME is a charity, managed by the University of Bath, within its School for Health as well as working closely with the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The main focus of this work has been in the meeting the needs of disabled people. Two relevant and recent projects have been in assistive robotics and systems and solutions for people with dementia.
• BIME has run a number of projects in assistive robotics, having investigated ways of integrating robotic devices into workstation, mobile trolleys and mounted to a wheelchair. BIME has the design and build resources to produce tailored robotic devices.
• BIME is active in applying technology to the needs of people with dementia. In particular this has used smart house technology for integrating different supportive devices in a domestic environment allowing people with dementia to remain independent for as long as possible.
• BIME’s priority is to ensure that those with healthcare needs, particularly people with disabilities benefit from the research carried out. To this end the Institute designs with a view to eventual production, has good links with manufacturers as well as running its own small production unit.
• BIME is situated within Bath’s Royal United Hospital, and considers that links with clinicians, therapists, carers and end users is vital to the success of any project.
Professor Roger Orpwood is the Director of the Institute and has headed the Institute’s work in technology for people with dementia.
Dr Michael Hillman has lead the Institute’s work in assistive robotics and is currently aiming to expand this work.