Scientists Demonstrate Robotics Tech for Renewable Energy

Edinburgh scientists have demonstrated their latest robotics technology developed for the renewable energy sector as part of a multi-million-pound collaboration.

A consortium of five universities, including Edinburgh, has unveiled the latest results from the ORCA Hub – an academic centre for research into robotics technology for offshore energy infrastructure.

The consortium showcased 16 autonomous and semi-autonomous robots at ORE Catapult in Blyth, near Newcastle, as part of its third presentation to industry.

The Hub demonstrated its latest research in a renewables-themed showcase, reflecting the growing importance of renewables to the UK’s energy mix.

The event, attended by more than 30 industry stakeholders, involved a number of demonstrations.

The ORCA Hub was launched in October 2017, and forms part of a £93m UK Government funding scheme for research on robotics and AI for extreme environments.

The hub is led by the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, a partnership between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh. The consortium also includes Imperial College London, the Universities of Oxford and Liverpool, and more than 30 industrial partners.