The University of Manchester launches new robotics research centre to support a net zero future
A new international research centre designed to create robotics and autonomous systems that will play a key role in the climate response has been developed in partnership with and .
The Centre for Robotic Autonomy in Demanding and Long-lasting Environments (CRADLE) will research new technologies for demanding and heavily regulated industry sectors such as space, nuclear decommissioning, energy generation and urban infrastructure.
It will work to find advances such as autonomous inspection and repair systems to extend the life of water and energy networks, roads, bridges and railways, that will support the work towards net zero targets.
The new partnership makes use of the research and expertise already being delivered in this area at the University. Last year, the Centre for Robotics and AI developed a robot called Lyra to help transform nuclear infrastructure inspection. The team have also contributed to the project, which worked to build a folding drone to allow Network Rail to inspect mine workings quicker, cheaper and with less risk.
Professor Barry Lennox, University of Manchester鈥檚 Centre for Robotics and AI Co-Director, said: 鈥淐RADLE provides The University of Manchester鈥檚 recently established Centre for Robotics and AI with the opportunity to build a relationship with one of the leading organisations involved in applied robotics, helping us to progress our fundamental research in this area, and enabling us deliver impact from the robotic and AI systems that we are developing.鈥�
"CRADLE helps us to progress our fundamental research in this area, and enabling us deliver impact from the robotic and AI systems that we are developing.鈥�
The center will be co-funded to a total value of $11 million (拢8.75 million) over five years by The University of Manchester, American international engineering company Jacobs, and the Prosperity Partnerships program, which fosters links between academia and industry. Further in-kind contributions will bring the total up to 拢10 million.
CRADLE鈥檚 research remit covers mechatronics, software and how communities and regulators will engage with future robotic systems.
The University of Manchester will support 12 PhD students in conducting research and performing prototype demonstrations in its Electrical Engineering & Electronics and Computer Science departments, the and at Jacobs鈥� robotics laboratories in Warrington.
Karen Wiemelt, Jacobs Energy, Security & Technology Senior Vice President, said: 鈥淪ecuring this prestigious Prosperity Partnerships grant allows Jacobs and The University of Manchester to research the autonomous systems that industry needs to solve today鈥檚 challenges and create a more connected and sustainable world.
鈥淩obotics is already a core strength of Jacobs鈥� work in the energy and space sectors and this research collaboration will enable us to develop advanced technologies to help achieve Net Zero targets.鈥�
Dr Andrew Bourne, Director of Partnerships at EPSRC, added: 鈥淧rosperity Partnerships demonstrate how business and academia can come together to co-create and co-deliver research and innovation that address industry-driven challenges and deliver economic and societal impact. These new projects showcase the breadth of research and innovation in the UK, covering a wider range of sectors, and support the UK鈥檚 ambitions to be a science superpower and an innovation nation.鈥�
The project is initiatives receiving part of 拢149 million, funded jointly by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation. This includes 拢4 million from UKRI鈥檚 Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Medical Research Council (MRC). This public funding is being matched by a further 拢88 million from academia and business.
All 19 projects are a significant investment in the UK鈥檚 future and are expected to make a real difference to people鈥檚 lives.