News archive
UKAEA and Leading Universities Unite to Embed Fusion Robotics into Engineering Education
UKAEA is driving skills development through the FOSTER (Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education, and Research) programme, which forms part of the UK Government’s Fusion Futures initiative. To accelerate and embed fusion robotics learning among university students, two prominent visiting professorships and one lectureship have been appointed from UKAEA’s Robotics division. This initiative brings real-world ...
UKAEA’s RACE Team Showcases Robotics Expertise at UK Space Conference 2025
The conference opened with a plenary session titled “Space for Growth: How do we supercharge the UK economy with the space sector?” featuring UKAEA Executive Director Prof. Rob Buckingham OBE, alongside Dr Mini Rai (Orbit Rise Ltd), Antonia Yendell (UK Space Agency – UKSA), and other leading voices in the field. Prof. Buckingham highlighted a pivotal shift ...
Active Cells at ESS: Pioneering Remote Waste Processing – New Video
The European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden, is home to the Active Cells facility—a fully remotely operated system for processing radioactive waste. Designed for safety and efficiency, the facility uses advanced robotics and remote handling to manage, cut, and package high-activity waste. UKAEA’s RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments) serves as the systems integrator, leading ...
Open call for PhD topic proposals, Autumn 2026 start
We invite academic institutions to propose innovative PhD research topics that advance fields relevant to remote maintenance of fusion energy machines, for projects starting in Autumn 2026. About RACE RACE is world-leading in the field of remote maintenance of fusion energy devices. Every year, RACE hosts PhD students based at UK universities working on topics ...
Advancing Fusion Remote Maintenance: Industry Collaboration Driving Innovation
Thanks to FF funding, industry has taken the lead in maturing UKAEA technology concepts—delivering real-world solutions that enhance operational autonomy and reduce maintenance burdens in extreme environments. Technology Highlights: 10MGy Total Integrated Dose Actuator Set – Developed by M5TEC, this radiation-hardened actuator system is designed to operate reliably in extreme fusion environments, where high radiation levels ...
Robotics demo points to interstellar future
A collaboration between the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), the UK’s national organisation responsible for the research and delivery of sustainable fusion energy, and space-tech innovator, Space Solar, has shown that robotic technology could build infrastructure in space without human intervention. The AlbaTRUSS project, conducted at UKAEA’s advanced test facilities on Culham Campus, Oxfordshire, ...
Introducing the RACE Annual: Advancing Robotics and AI for a Sustainable Future
This document highlights ten key initiatives that align with UKAEA’s strategic goals: 2025 RACE Annual These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of our partners, colleagues, and supporters. We extend our sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to these successes. If you are interested in contributing to these ground-breaking ...
UKAEA and F-REI sign collaboration in robotics research
The MOC fosters UK-Japan collaboration between the government-funded organisations, enhancing joint research opportunities and advancing science and innovation in key technical areas, such as: UKAEA’s Executive Director, Prof. Rob Buckingham, commented: “We are delighted to collaborate with F-REI, as both organisations share a strong commitment to advancing science and innovation in key technical areas, including ...
An independent paper from the UK’s Robotics Growth Partnership outlines a roadmap to position the UK as a global leader in robotics
The Robotics Growth Partnership (RGP) is an independent advisory body established by government in 2019 with the aim of putting the UK at the cutting edge of the global smart robotics revolution, boosting economic productivity and unlocking benefits across society. Professor Rob Buckingham OBE FREng, Executive Director of UKAEA, a member of RGP, said, “It ...
Lasers4MaaS Takes Off: Pioneering AI-Powered Laser Welding for Renewable Energy and Beyond
Lasers4MaaS aims to address the pressing need for sustainable and efficient manufacturing solutions. It will build on the concept of servitisation of manufacturing resources to produce on-demand customised products with high quality, flexibility and short lead times. Driving Down Costs and Boosting Efficiency Across Multiple Sectors The project has the potential to revolutionise laser welding ...
