For the further development of the KASPAR robot research project focusing on the use of robotics to improve the social and communication skills of children with low-functioning autism. KASPAR is a child-sized humanoid robot developed by the Adaptive Systems Research Group at the University. The interactive robot helps autistic children communicate, as it encourages them to reply to and interact with it, and with their caters and family. 

Throughout its history, the University of Hertfordshire has been strong in aerospace engineering and computer science. More recently, it has built up its strengths in other areas such as pharmacology, history, business, geography and astrophysics.