In an ambitious move towards the future, engineering giant Jacobs and the University of Manchester have joined forces to establish a new international research centre.
The Centre for Robotic Autonomy in Demanding and Long-lasting Environments (CRADLE) will develop innovative robotics and autonomous systems that will play a pivotal role in climate response.
CRADLE’s research will focus on creating new technologies for challenging and heavily regulated industry sectors. This will include developing robotics tech for space, nuclear decommissioning, energy generation, and urban infrastructure. The centre aims to develop autonomous systems to solve today’s challenges and create a more connected and sustainable world.
Funding and Collaboration: The Powerhouse Behind CRADLE
The establishment of CRADLE is backed by a significant co-funding commitment of $11 million over five years. This funding comes from Jacobs, the University of Manchester, and the U.K. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s (EPSRC) Prosperity Partnerships programme. The Prosperity Partnerships programme fosters links between academia and industry, making it an ideal partner for this initiative.
Jacobs, contributing $4.6 million to the project, will support 12 PhD students in conducting research and performing prototype demonstrations at The University of Manchester and Jacobs’ robotics laboratories in Warrington.
The Impact of CRADLE: A Step-Change in Industry
The technologies developed at CRADLE can bring a step-change impact to clients in urban infrastructure, energy generation, nuclear power, decommissioning, and space exploration. These sectors require robust and reliable autonomous robotics for efficient asset management and operations.
One of the critical objectives of CRADLE is to develop advanced technologies to help achieve net zero targets. The centre is looking to improve existing robotic technologies like independent inspection and repair systems to extend the life of water and energy networks, roads, bridges, and railways.
CRADLE will also allow the University of Manchester’s recently established Manchester Centre for Robotics and AI to build a relationship with Jacobs, one of the leading organizations in applied robotics. This collaboration will help progress fundamental research in this area and deliver impact from the robotic and AI systems.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Robotics and Autonomous Systems
CRADLE’s research remit covers mechatronics, software, and how communities and regulators will engage with future robotic systems. This focus ensures that the centre’s work will remain relevant and impactful as technology and societal needs evolve.
Jacobs is well-positioned to drive this initiative forward with a global workforce of more than 60,000 and approximately $15 billion in annual revenue. The establishment of CRADLE marks a significant step towards a future where robotics and autonomous systems play an integral role in our world, from urban infrastructure to space exploration.
The collaboration between Jacobs and the University of Manchester is a shining example of the synergy between academia and industry by combining the innovative research environment of the university with the practical, solution-oriented approach of Jacobs, CRADLE, to deliver groundbreaking solutions in robotics and autonomous systems. This partnership fosters technological advancement and provides a platform for PhD students to gain invaluable industry experience and contribute to cutting-edge research.
The Role of Robotics in Achieving Sustainability Goals
One of the critical objectives of CRADLE is to develop technologies that contribute to achieving net-zero targets. For instance, Independent inspection and repair systems can significantly extend the life of water and energy networks, roads, bridges, and railways.
These technologies play a crucial role in promoting sustainability by reducing the need for new construction and minimizing waste. Furthermore, applying robotics in sectors like energy generation and nuclear decommissioning can lead to more efficient processes, reducing environmental impact.
The Future of Autonomous Systems in Heavily Regulated Industries
The work of CRADLE is not limited to the development of new technologies. An essential part of their mission is to explore how communities and regulators will engage with future robotic systems.
This includes understanding the societal implications of widespread autonomous system deployment and working towards regulatory frameworks that ensure safety and accountability. By addressing these issues, CRADLE is paving the way for successfully integrating autonomous systems into heavily regulated industries.
In conclusion, establishing CRADLE signifies a leap towards a future where robotics and autonomous systems are integral to our world. With the backing of Jacobs and the University of Manchester, the centre is well-equipped to drive innovation and make a lasting impact on various industry sectors. As we look ahead, the work of CRADLE serves as a reminder of the exciting possibilities that lie at the intersection of technology, academia, and industry.
TLDR
- Jacobs and the University of Manchester have partnered to establish the Centre for Robotic Autonomy in Demanding and Long-lasting Environments (CRADLE).
- CRADLE will focus on developing robotics and autonomous systems for challenging industry sectors like space, nuclear decommissioning, energy generation, and urban infrastructure.
- The center aims to create autonomous systems that solve today’s challenges and contribute to a more connected and sustainable world.
- CRADLE is backed by a co-funding commitment of $11 million over five years from Jacobs, the University of Manchester, and the EPSRC Prosperity Partnerships program.
- The technologies developed at CRADLE can bring significant impacts to sectors like urban infrastructure, energy generation, nuclear power, decommissioning, and space exploration.
- CRADLE aims to develop advanced technologies to help achieve net zero targets, such as improving inspection and repair systems for water and energy networks, roads, bridges, and railways.
- The collaboration between CRADLE and Jacobs allows the University of Manchester’s Manchester Centre for Robotics and AI to work with a leading organization in applied robotics.
- CRADLE’s research covers mechatronics, software, and community and regulatory engagement to ensure relevance and impact as technology and societal needs evolve.
- The partnership between Jacobs and the University of Manchester combines academia’s innovative research environment with Jacobs’ practical, solution-oriented approach.
- CRADLE’s objective is to develop technologies that contribute to achieving sustainability goals and address societal implications and regulatory frameworks for autonomous systems in heavily regulated industries.
