Robotics and AI Event Highlights Opportunities to Deploy Tech in Challenging Environments
Summary
Attendees heard how embracing robotics and AI can help meet the two global challenges of climate change and energy security.
Industries and businesses that fail to embrace the safe deployment of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to improve their operations may face a similar fate as those who shunned other major technological opportunities such as the Industrial Revolution or the internet.
That was the view shared at a major industry conference, “Harnessing Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Challenging Environments,” which attracted almost 300 delegates and exhibitors to the event at Energus, Workington, Cumbria, on May 21.
Attendees heard how embracing robotics and AI can help meet the two global challenges of climate change and energy security.
Delegates heard RAICo, a collaboration between UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd and the University of Manchester, plays a vital role, aiding collaboration and bringing the greatest minds together – including end-users, problem-holders and researchers – to find solutions to shared nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering challenges.
The deployment of robotics and AI was described as being key to accelerating nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering in a way which delivers missions safer, faster and more cost effectively.
Keynote speakers from the nuclear sector, including Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of the UKAEA; Mr David Peattie, CEO of the NDA; Mr Roddy Miller, Nuclear Operations Director at Sellafield Ltd, and Francis Livens, Professor of Radiochemistry at The University of Manchester, shared with delegates their visions for the safe deployment of the latest technologies.
David Peattie said: “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. “We are proud to be part of RAICo and committed to exploring how we can utilize 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, in which keynote speakers were asked their views on risk, Ian Chapman highlighted that, while safety of operations was paramount, it was also important to consider the risk of industry and businesses failing to adopt technologies which help them achieve some tasks safer, faster and more cost effectively. He 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 vital for industries to fully embrace robotics and AI. The Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) announced the launch of the Cumbria Robotics Cluster at the event.
Organized by FIS360 on behalf of RAICo and its partners, the event also highlighted the social impact of robotics and AI in Cumbria and beyond.
Did you enjoy this great article?
Check out our free e-newsletters to read more great articles..
