Ad Spiers is a postdoctoral researcher in Yale University’s Grab lab. He
is currently developing haptic navigation devices and investigating how
upper limb amputees use their prosthetics in daily life. In his
previous role (Bristol robotics laboratory, UK) Ad worked with NHS
(National Health Service) surgeons to investigate benefits and methods
of enabling haptic feedback in tele-operated surgery and training
simulators. His PhD, obtained from Bristol University, was in the
real-time synthesis of human-like reaching movements for robot
manipulators.
In addition to academic research, Ad has been involved in various
creative technology projects featuring robotics and haptics. This led to
a (now long distance) invited residence at the Pervasive Media Studio
creative technology hub in the UK. Previous work has included groups of
animatronic origami creatures and a mind controlled beer pouring robot.
His work has been exhibited in galleries and music festivals, reaching a
wide and varied audience. His current haptics work continues his
ongoing collaboration with visually impaired artists looking to create
new and accessible forms of cultural experience.
