10043697MusicBirdy ™ - Music Therapy Robot Innovation for Patient Directed use in Healthcare Spaces: functionalities - design and buildClosedGrant for R&DInnovate UKSongbirds Music Ltd are working with Robotics experts at the North of England Research and Innovation Centre (NERIC) and University of Salford to design a prototype robot which will enable patients in hospital and community settings to participate in self-directed musical interactions to support their mental health and wellbeing. The project is a unique collaboration between musicians with 25 years expertise and experience of working with children and adults with complex healthcare needs and disabilities in Northwest England and The University of Salford robotics and AI specialists. The project aims to support healthcare staff in their work caring for patients who are at increased risk of isolation, patients experiencing limited opportunities for social interaction, and supports patients with limited verbal communication. It addresses the challenges faced by healthcare staff in dealing with aging and harder to reach patient populations, and offers healthcare professionals a new resource to help with the associated increased pressures of delivering personalised, patient centred care. The project aims to empower patients, through music and robotics innovation, to have control over their immediate environment, to independently manage and develop strategies to support their mental health and wellbeing, develop new opportunities for person-centred communication and interaction, and relieve the anxiety and stress associated with hospitalisation and isolation.