In a speech to the CBI today, UK Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed the Government’s commitment to a Modern Industrial Strategy to build Britain’s strengths in science and innovation. She cited the field of robotics as a key strategic strength, where the UK is competing globally and breaking new ground.
Dr Rob Buckingham, Director of RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments) responds:
“This is good news for the many research organisations and enterprises developing robotics applications. As one of the UK’s leading robotics groups, specialising in challenging environments, we welcome the inclusion of robotics at this early stage in the development of the Government’s emerging Industrial Strategy.
It presents a great opportunity to bring the research and business communities together, to ensure the UK becomes a world leader in this field.”
Funding for RACE, the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s new centre for Remote Applications in Challenging Environments was approved by Secretary of State Greg Clark and opened by UK Science Minister Jo Johnson in May 2016. Since then, RACE has helped UK industry to compete for and win over £100 million of advanced robotics contracts, and the team has already grown its team by over 50%.
RACE – Remote Applications in Challenging Environments
Based at the UKAEA’s Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire, RACE develops and builds robotics and remote operations systems with a particular focus on the fusion energy sector. It also collaborates with experts in space exploration, petrochemical and infrastructure to ensure that the UK maximises opportunities to transfer technology between sectors. A recognised world leader in remote inspection and maintenance in fusion powerplants, RACE designed and operated the remote handling system for JET, the Joint European Torus facility.
For more information email Dr Rob Buckingham
Rob.Buckingham@ukaea.uk or visit the RACE website www.race.ukaea.uk.
