Launch of Robotics and Autonomous Systems Network boosts UK robotics capability

Billy Wu (School of Design Engineering) and Carlo Seneci (Hamlyn Centre) with machine parts created by selective laser melting.

The UK's ability to develop and exploit the vast potential of robotics and autonomous systems was boosted today with the launch of a new network.

The global market for service and industrial robots is estimated to reach $59.5 billion by 2020. The EPSRC UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems (UK-RAS) Network aims to bring the UK’s core academic capabilities in robotics innovation together under national coordination for the first time, and encourage academic and industry collaborations that will accelerate the development and adoption of robotics and autonomous systems.

The network will be chaired by Professor Guang-Yong Zhang, Director and co-founder of the Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery and Deputy Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) at Imperial College London. He said: “Robotics and autonomous systems are set to play an increasing vital role in the growth of the UK economy across all sectors of industry, from transport and healthcare to manufacturing and unmanned systems.  This dedicated network provides a focus for the UK’s research and engineering excellence for the first time, ensuring that the UK can maintain its competitive edge in RAS innovation.”

The new network will organise a wide range of activities including network and strategic roadmap events such as the UK Robotics conference, symposia and focused workshops, public engagement and exhibitions. It will also have extensive online engagement activities using social media and web and user forums.

The network has already received strong support from major industrial partners, the Science Museum and the UK’s major professional engineering bodies including Royal Academy of Engineering, IET, and The Institute of Mechanical Engineers. The network will expand to include broader stakeholders including key national laboratories in the UK and leading international collaborators in both academia and industry.

At the official launch of the UK-RAS network today, at the Science Museum in London, the UK government Minister of State for Universities and Science, Jo Johnson, said: “Robotics and autonomous systems have huge growth potential for the UK as one of our Eight Great Technologies.  To get it right we need to draw on the expertise of the UK’s research base and the ambition of industry. By working collaboratively, this network will only help to accelerate growth of a high-tech sector and pave the way for new high-value, skilled jobs – a win, win scenario for the UK.”

The network aims to strengthen the relationship with industry by supporting interdisciplinary mobility and industrial secondment and developing proof-of-concept (PoC) projects and running design challenges. There is also a strong emphasis on government policy and high-level engagement with international stakeholders.

Kedar Pandya, Head of the Engineering Theme for the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, added: “Working with Innovate UK and other research council partners, EPSRC's mission is to support and invest in the world-leading research base that has earned the UK its deserved reputation for research excellence. Robotics and Autonomous Systems are one of the Eight Great Technologies in which the UK is set to be a global leader, and the technology being developed at these EPSRC-funded RAS facilities will deliver a significant impact on the research landscape, and attract the kind of industrial investment that will maximise the UK’s stake in the worldwide robotics market.”