Industries and businesses that do not adopt the safe use of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their operations may risk the same fate as those that ignored significant technological advancements such as the Industrial Revolution or the internet, according to the latest insights from an industry conference.
The conference in question, “Harnessing Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Challenging Environments,” attracted nearly 300 delegates and exhibitors at Energus, Workington, Cumbria on Tuesday, 21 May.
Attendees learned how embracing robotics and AI can help address the global challenges of climate change and energy security. They heard about RAICo, a collaboration between the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield, and the University of Manchester, which plays a crucial role in bringing together end-users, problem-holders, and researchers to solve shared challenges in nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
The deployment of robotics and AI was highlighted as essential for accelerating nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering, making operations safer, faster, and more cost-effective.
Keynote speakers from the nuclear sector, including Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of the UKAEA; David Peattie, CEO of the NDA; Roddy Miller, Nuclear Operations Director at Sellafield; and Francis Livens, Professor of Radiochemistry at the University of Manchester, shared their visions for the safe deployment of the latest technologies.
“I’m passionate about creating opportunities for collaboration across the NDA group, the wider sector, academia and the supply chain and particularly inspiring young people to engage in the work we are doing and develop innovative solutions,” said David Peattie. “We are proud to be part of RAICo and committed to exploring how we can utilise technology and innovation to create a safer working environment for our employees, deliver more effectively and efficiently, to leave a more sustainable legacy for generations to come.”
Roddy Miller said: “Harnessing the power of robotics and AI is not just about technological advancement; it’s about creating a sustainable and safer environment for future generations. This event highlighted the incredible potential of these technologies and the important role Cumbria plays in this transformative journey.”
During a panel session hosted by Professor Rob Buckingham, Executive Director of the UKAEA, keynote speakers were asked about risk. Ian Chapman emphasised that while operational safety is paramount, it is also crucial to consider the risk of industries and businesses failing to adopt technologies that enable them to perform tasks more safely, quickly, and cost-effectively.
Chapman said: “I also consider aggregate risk in conversations like this. The biggest risk for the nuclear sector is that it will cease to exist. Just go back to the Industrial Revolution, or the internet, those (businesses) who decided not to engage, those companies do not exist.”
Engaging with supply chain companies was also highlighted as essential for industries to fully embrace robotics and AI.
The Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) announced the launch of the Cumbria Robotics Cluster at the event. This cluster unites organisations with a shared vision to establish Cumbria as a globally recognised centre of excellence in robotics engineering. RAICo is a founding member of the cluster, which aims to develop advanced robotics technologies and skills to address industrial challenges, particularly in the nuclear industry and other demanding environments.
“This cluster represents a significant opportunity for synergy and innovation amongst Cumbria’s robotics experts and industries. Through this collaborative effort, we are set to map out and expand the capabilities of robotics in the region, driving forward our joint goals of technological advancement and capacity building,” commented Dr Kirsty Hewitson, Director of RAICo.
“The supply chain is absolutely crucial to RAICo’s success and that broader success across both Sellafield, the wider NDA estate but also the UK Atomic Energy Authority,” Dr Hewitson added.
Organised by FIS360 on behalf of RAICo and its partners, the event also highlighted the social impact of robotics and AI in Cumbria and beyond. Adopting robotics and AI provides opportunities to upskill workforces, create new high-skilled jobs, and offer exciting careers for young people and graduates.
Eleven students aged 16 to 18 from West Lakes Academy and the Energy Coast University Technical College (UTC) who participated in a four-week sprint programme set by RAICo and iSH, developing a small robot to move a mock nuclear barrel around a track, shared their learnings and experiences at the event.
“What has been achieved by these talented students in such a short time is incredibly impressive, and watching them speak so confidently (at the event) about their findings was fantastic.
“At RAICo, we want to champion the next generation of innovators within the robotics and AI industry, providing students and young professionals with opportunities to help them get a foot in the door for a rewarding career,” concluded Richard Christensen, Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at RAICo.
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