Celebrating the evolution of artificial intelligence and robotics innovation at Sheffield Hallam University: The launch of CEAIR

Today, the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CEAIR), a new Sheffield Hallam University research centre focused on transforming lives through ethical, inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence, was formally opened by Mayor Oliver Coppard.

Headed up by Professor Alessandro Di Nuovo and based in the School of Computing and Digital Technologies, CEAIR has been established to support the government’s ambition to be a global artificial intelligence superpower and will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in South Yorkshire. It will design applied artificial intelligence and robotics solutions that address real-world challenges in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and public services.

The AWRC is particularly excited about CEAIR, as it reflects a lasting legacy of our Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Digital Innovations (AIRDI) research theme, which was led for almost six years by Prof Alessandro Di Nuovo alongside co-lead Dr Jims Marchang.

As the theme transitions from this chapter, this milestone provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on its success and celebrate some of its highlights and key projects from the past few years.

AIRDI (originally titled Technological and Digital Innovations to Promote Independent Lives) was one of the AWRC’s founding themes and Alessandro and Jims formed part of the Centre’s first leadership team when it opened its doors in January 2020.

The theme collaborated with academia, healthcare and industry to build the infrastructure and systems needed to drive world-class advances in healthcare robotics research and development and improve the wellbeing of people and communities in the UK.

Throughout its research, the theme adhered to a core philosophy of co-creation, working closely with communities, patients and users to ensure technologies were secure, reliable, intuitive to use and respectful of privacy. Much of this work directly contributed to the development of the AWRC’s now well-established partnership with local community group Darnall Well Being.

The 2022 EPSRC-funded I’M-ACTIVE project explored how robotics, sensor technologies and artificial intelligence could help older adults at risk of frailty stay physically active and independent for longer. Recognising that regular movement plays a vital role in maintaining health and wellbeing as we age, the project developed a person-centred system designed to encourage and support daily activity through tailored feedback and guidance.

The project produced several publications, and its findings directly contributed to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ report Automating the Home, which received significant media interest and led to several BBC appearances.

Researchers from AIRDI were heavily involved in establishing EMERGENCE, an EPSRC-funded network focused on tackling frailty by facilitating the emergence of healthcare robots from labs into service. As co-lead, Alessandro headed up the Sheffield Hallam University research team, which was responsible for co-creation activities.

This included leading feasibility studies with local community groups to explore the potential impact of future robotics technologies on the health and wellbeing of people living with frailty. EMERGENCE published its first white paper, Robotics in Health and Social Care in October 2025.

Building on the success of I’M-ACTIVE, the Horizon Europe-funded PRIMI (Performance Interaction via Mental Imagery) project has brought together researchers from across Europe to co-design socially interactive autonomous robots with human-like physical performance. This work has led to the development of innovative robotic-led rehabilitation technologies for stroke survivors.

Most recently, the AIM-SAFE project, also funded by Horizon Europe, is developing trustworthy artificial intelligence tools to help clinicians make complex treatment decisions, particularly in areas such as cancer care and medication management. With a strong emphasis on safety, transparency and patient-centred outcomes, the project aims to ensure artificial intelligence can be used responsibly in healthcare while improving patient care and reducing the risk of adverse health outcomes.

Together, these projects have helped establish Sheffield Hallam University as a leader in the research and development of ethical, human-centred artificial intelligence and robotics.

The evolution of this work through the establishment of CEAIR could not come at a more relevant time. The government has recently published its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, committing £1 billion to artificial intelligence development, while the NHS continues its strategic shift from analogue to digital as set out in the NHS 10-Year Plan.

The AWRC and CEAIR intend to work closely on ongoing projects and continue to strengthen opportunities for future collaboration.

We would like to extend a huge and sincere thank you to Alessandro and Jims for their leadership of the AIRDI research theme, which has left a lasting legacy at the AWRC. We wish Alessandro and the team every success with the launch of CEAIR.