Connected Autonomous Vehicles Promise Travel Freedom for Older Adults in the Future From: Wireless Design Magazine - 02/01/2016 An interdisciplinary team from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory is playing a key role in development of connected autonomous vehicles(CAVs) that have the potential to transform the lives of isolated older adults through creation of independent travel options. The 'Flourish' project announced today is co-funded by Innovate UK and involves partners from across the South West who will work together to develop a CAV that integrates the mobility needs of older adults with a secure and connected infrastructure. The development has the potential to revolutionise mobility for older adults, reducing loneliness and giving people who do not drive the freedom to make spontaneous choices without relying on others. Associate Professor Praminda Caleb-Solly from Bristol Robotics Laboratory explains, "Ageing brings a host of physical and cognitive impairments, together with long-term conditions, resulting in the need for added support. Maintaining health and independence, and participating as active members of society, requires people to be mobile. "Studies show that cessation of driving can lead to reduced social activity, poor health and depression. In the UK, over one million older adults say they always, or often, feel lonely. This research would mean that people in this situation wouldn't have to depend on others for transportation and would have the ability to make spontaneous choices. Read the entire article at: http://www.wirelessdesignmag.com/news/2016/02/connected-autonomous-vehicles-promise-travel-freedom-older-adults-future Links: Praminda Caleb-Solly http://www.cems.uwe.ac.uk/~pcalebso http://people.uwe.ac.uk/Pages/person.aspx?accountname=campus\p-calebsolly Bristol Robotics Laboratory http://www.brl.ac.uk/researchthemes/assistedliving.aspx Related: New Anchor Robots Facility Opens to Develop Robots That Help Elderly http://www.wirelessdesignmag.com/news/2015/09/new-anchor-robots-facility-opens-develop-robots-help-elderly?cmpid=horizontalcontent