Almost 300 industry delegates gathered in Cumbria to discuss adopting Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), warning those who don't may become obsolete.
The industry conference titled "Harnessing Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Challenging Environments", held at Energus, Workington, occurred on Tuesday, May 21 and offered eye-opening insights.
Attendees learned that implementing robotics and AI can aid efforts against two global struggles: climate change and energy security.
RAICo, a collaboration between UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd and the University of Manchester, aids in solving shared problems within nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
Similarly, businesses were warned that neglecting these advancing technologies may lead to downfall, in a similar vein to those who disregarded the Internet or the Industrial Revolution.
Mr David Peattie, CEO of the NDA, 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 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, nuclear operations director at Sellafield Ltd, 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."
An essential conversation point throughout, was the importance of early adoption of robotics and AI in order to avoid businesses becoming obsolete.
Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of the UKAEA, said: "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."
Supply chain companies also played a significant role in the conference’s discussions.
The Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH) launched the Cumbria Robotics Cluster.
Comprised of organisations with a shared vision, the cluster hopes to position Cumbria as a global centre of excellence in robotics engineering.
Dr Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo, said: "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."
She detailed these companies’ unique skill sets as a potentially huge opportunity for both RAICo and the wider industry.
The social impact of robotics and AI within Cumbria and beyond was also showcased, emphasising the chances for upskilling workforces and creating higher skilled jobs.
West Lakes Academy and the Energy Coast University Technical College students who designed a robot as part of a four-week programme, shared their experiences at the event.
Mr Richard Christensen, senior mechanical design engineer at RAICo, said: "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."
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