UK Atomic Energy Authority will oversee the robotics and AI cluster announced by UK Research and Innovation
UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) will lead the £4.9m nuclear robotics and AI cluster linking Cumbria and Oxfordshire, as announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). This comes as one of seven new projects to kickstart economic growth and address regional needs.
Decommissioning of the UK’s legacy nuclear fission facilities will be accelerated under this new project to keep people out of hazardous environments. Academia will be connected to the supply chain via the cluster, as led by UKAEA.
Commercial opportunities will arise in the region, as cross-sector engagement and spin-out company formations may attract investment due to the potential for knowledge and technology transfer between the areas.
The cluster will support regional growth by creating and retaining jobs, helping establish the UK as an international lead in nuclear innovation, a trillion US dollar industry.
UKAEA is the UK’s national laboratory for the development of fusion energy.
Dr Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo, at UKAEA, said: “As part of our mission to bring fusion energy to the grid, UKAEA hosts the UK’s largest nuclear robotics and artificial intelligence group, with the ability to design, build, and operate robotics for extreme industrial environments.
Hewitson added: “This new robotics and AI cluster provides an opportunity for UKAEA to leverage our expertise, in collaboration with other consortium partners, wider academia and industry, to develop innovative robotics and AI solutions for nuclear fission and fusion energy decommissioning and adjacent sectors.
Hewitson said: “UKAEA welcomes this support from UKRI and we look forward to working with university and civic partners to drive research and development that delivers real economic and social impact to Cumbria and Oxfordshire.”
At a local impact, the nuclear RAI cluster aims to help create 200 business opportunities, establish 10-spin out companies, generate 200 new jobs, engage 5,000 people in cluster-driven events, deliver 25 licensing deals, and generate £22.5m in leveraged funding.
Supporting consortium partners, the Universities of Cumbria, Oxford, and Manchester will help UKAEA lead the project. Research support will also be provided, with more information being released in Spring 2025 when the cluster officially launches.
