Driving Innovation: Transatlantic Attitudes to the Bionics Bus as a Vehicle for Health Transformation and STEM...

Emerging mobile health and STEM engagement platforms are increasingly recognised as catalysts for improving public understanding of biomedical technologies and supporting digitally enabled models of healthcare delivery. The Bionics Bus (https://bionicsbus.org/) is a novel mobile laboratory designed to democratise access to robotics, artificial intelligence, prosthetics and digital diagnostics by delivering hands-on experiences directly to schools, communities and healthcare settings. This study provides the first transatlantic comparison of public attitudes toward the Bionics Bus within the United Kingdom and the United States of America (USA), two countries with contrasting healthcare systems and digital transformation priorities. Using a mixed-methods cross-sectional design, 78 participants completed a survey assessing technology perceptions, healthcare accessibility, enthusiasm for STEM and views on the usefulness and potential of the Bionics Bus. Quantitative analysis demonstrated high levels of excitement and strong recognition of the relevance of technology in healthcare across both countries, with USA respondents more likely to report geographical barriers to accessing healthcare. Thematic analysis revealed shared optimism for the Bus as a tool for education, accessibility and community-based innovation. These findings highlight the potential of mobile biomedical platforms to support digital inclusivity, strengthen science capital and enhance public engagement with technology-enabled healthcare.