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University of Nottingham > 100 Ways to change the world > Digital

Photo of person in a virtual driving lab.

AI helps cars detect sleepy drivers

University researchers teamed up with BlueSkeye AI to road test technology that detects when drivers are in danger of falling asleep at the wheel. The EU-validated tests at our driving simulation facilities will allow the drowsiness monitoring technology to be rolled out in Europe, making roads safer.

Photo of robots outside store.

New study finds invisible ‘human work’ allows robots to deliver

Amid the surge of autonomous delivery systems, a critical challenge emerges: the unnoticed human efforts essential for these robots' seamless function in public spaces. However, by spotlighting the pivotal role of human-robot interaction, new research by the University of Nottinham not only addresses this challenge but also paves the way for effective policy and design interventions, ensuring the successful integration of autonomous delivery systems globally.

Human rights in a digital world: pause for thought

Todd Landman and Ben Lucas, Managing Director of 3DI at the University of Nottingham, explore the global impact of digital advancements on human rights. They discuss inclusive financial technology, leveraging data for good, protecting freedom of thought in the digital age, and the need for ethical regulations. This research emphasizes the importance of balancing technological progress with human rights, ethics, and accountability to make a positive impact worldwide.

Graphic of lungs highlighted in red inside a body.

Taking life-saving kits into homes of people with cystic fibrosis

People with cystic fibrosis are vulnerable to an infection that causes further lung damage. A quick, simple test developed by our experts is closer to being available for use at home, with the potential of protecting thousands of people worldwide.

Graphic of hand outstretched to AI computer chip

Ensuring AI has a positive impact

AI is having a transformative impact on every aspect of our lives, including education. Experts from Nottingham are working to ensure artificial intelligence is used safely and responsibly by teachers, trainers and students.

Photo of person holding milk in store

Co-op customer shopping habits highlight risk of iodine deficiency in vegan diets

Research by Nottingham University Business School stresses the importance of iodine awareness in transitioning to plant-based diets. The study highlights potential health risks related to deficiencies and emphasizes the need to check iodine levels in alternative milk products to make informed dietary choices.

photo of the banner with text bubbles reading 'hi! wave emoji''I'm a talking railing''Chat with me to help tackle climate change in Nottingham'

Talking lamp posts, benches and bins come to Nottingham for new environmental project City as Lab is UoN projec

The University of Nottingham and Nottingham City Council have teamed up with creative research company, Hello Lamp Post, to introduce interactive, playful, talking street furniture that will explore attitudes to climate change and sustainability.

Musical robot

Musical robot

There are significant barriers to music-making for disabled musicians, researchers have developed a musical robot that can help musicians with disabilities to improvise and access instruments in a way that hasn’t previously been possible.

3D printing a healthcare revolution

3D printing a healthcare revolution

3D printing allows biological pills to be delivered quickly and cheaply to individual patients, or assembles ‘living’ plasters to speed up healing. Our researchers are helping manufacturers and clinicians deliver a revolution in personalised healthcare.

Battery breakthrough for electric vehicles

Battery breakthrough for electric vehicles

In the largest research programme of its kind in the world, we have helped show how the battery life and efficiency of batteries in electric vehicles could be improved by optimising EV charging to the national grid.

Remote-control 'snake' tool for surgery

Remote-control 'snake' tool for surgery

A snake-like robot, developed by our engineers and used by industry to carry out remote-controlled repairs in tight, inaccessible places inside jet engines or nuclear plants, is now being developed for use in cancer surgery.

UK’s first ever ‘ghost driver’ study

UK’s first ever ‘ghost driver’ study

How do pedestrians react to driverless cars? Our researchers explored the visual prompts that could help us help cross safely as more driverless cars take to the roads.

Education app with global impact

Education app with global impact

We have researched tablet technology designed by onebillion and implemented by Imagine Worldwide that is helping to raise numeracy and literacy skills of disadvantaged children in the UK and globally.

Protecting communities against the risk of flood

Protecting communities against the risk of flood

The risk of flooding is becoming ever more serious, both in the UK and across the globe, and the challenge of protecting our homes and cities is becoming increasingly important. We work with communities to protect them against flood risk and make them greener, healthier places to live.

Cleaner cooking, healthier lives

Cleaner cooking, healthier lives

Inhaling smoke from cooking on wood fires or stoves causes ten times as many deaths as malaria. Such smoke is also a leading source of CO2 emissions. Our Clean Cooking project in Malawi explores sustainable technologies to reduce this toll on people and the planet.

Sensing a quantum revolution

Sensing a quantum revolution

Turning tiny flaws in diamond into incredibly sensitive quantum devices will transform the way we sense the world, unlocking unprecedented advances in health, food and every aspect of our lives. Professor Melissa Mather is pioneering this revolution.

Quantum leap for brain tumour treatment

Quantum leap for brain tumour treatment

Glioblastoma is an elusive and formidable form of brain cancer, with low survival rates. Our researchers have discovered that electrically charged gold nanoparticles trigger self-destruction of glioblastoma cells, while leaving healthy cells unscathed. This world-first ‘quantum therapeutic’ could be delivered to the tumour as a spray or injection during brain surgery.

Ceramic coatings create greener aviation

Ceramic coatings create greener aviation

Advanced ceramic coatings for aircraft are essential to achieving net zero aviation. They allow aero engines to operate more efficiently at extreme conditions, saving fuel and cutting CO2 emissions. Our research uses artificial intelligence and green chemistry to create advanced ceramic coatings for the next generation of air and space travel, with this complex innovation manufactured using fewer materials, at higher volumes and at a fraction of today’s costs.

Sustainable food chain

Sustainable food chain

Meat production is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gases and according to a 2022 United Nations report a shift towards plant-based diets could have real impact on climate change. At the International Flavour Research Centre, our scientists are exploring plant-based meat alternative flavours, which will encourage people to eat less meat and make the food chain less damaging to our planet.

Designing plant roots to capture carbon

Designing plant roots to capture carbon

Scientists have discovered how to potentially design root systems to grow deeper. Not only will this help crops become more resilient by being able to better reach water and nutrients, it could develop ways to capture carbon deeper in soil.

MRI: born in Nottingham

MRI: born in Nottingham

An MRI scan takes place every three seconds and countless millions of patients have benefited from Sir Peter’s Mansfield’s invention. Fifty years on, our innovations in medical imaging continue to revolutionise understanding of our brains and bodies.