Quantum technologies have matured significantly in the last few years such that sensors can see through and around objects, navigation without GPS is possible and communications can be made securer than ever before. A number of Quantum Technologies now exist that can help solve some of the challenges Robotics and AI (RAI) systems face in environments from marine through energy to space applications.

The £400m UK Quantum Programme is the largest public investment ever made in the UK in a disruptive technology, and was established to commercialise quantum science and create a £1billion UK market. Many of these quantum effects have been known to science for decades, but can only now be exploited because technology has advanced far enough for practical application.

These include:

- Imaging - imaging outside of the visible spectrum, low source intensity (single photon) detection, enabling imaging through turbid media and around corners.
- Sensing - using fluctuations in magnetic and gravitational fields to provide accurate geophysical surveys and inspection.
- Navigation - exquisitely sensitive gyros and accelerometers with negligible drift rates for inertial navigation systems where there is no GPS signal.

Sectors as diverse as Agriculture, Offshore Energy, Mining, Nuclear Energy and Space are turning to RAI to help meet labour shortages, remove people from dangerous situations, improve the accuracy and repeatability of repetitive tasks or to provide a localised physical intelligence where previously operations were conducted remotely. These quantum technologies, imaging, sensing and navigation, are essential components to RAI systems, especially in situations where light or GPS is denied.

A two-way dialogue between the Quantum and RAI communities is essential for the commercial exploitation of both sets of enabling technologies to be successful. This networking workshop will bring together the Quantum and RAI communities in order to help better understand the opportunities and solutions provided by the maturing capabilities in both sectors.

Agenda [subject to change]

09:30 - 10:00: Arrival, registration and refreshments

10:00 - 10:05: Welcome and introduction

10:05 - 10:10: Introduction to the RAI Special Interest Group (SIG)

10:10 - 10:15: Introduction to the Quantum Technologies SIG

10:15 - 10:20: Introduction to Innovate UK funding opportunities

10:20 - 10:40: Remote handling in hostile environments - Stephen Sanders, Director, Strategic Remote Operations, Oxford Technologies

10:40 - 11:00: Structural monitoring on the nations railways - Kevin Blacktop, Senior R&D Specialist, Network Rail

11:00 - 11:20: Challenges for agricultural robots - Charles Kirby, CEO, Dynium Robot

11:20 - 11:30: RAI Q&A

11:30 - 12:00: Refreshment break

12:00 - 12:20: Digital lighting for positioning, navigation and control of robotic systems - Prof. Martin Dawson, Director of Research, Institute of Photonics and Head of Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics Technology and Innovation Centre

12:20 - 12:40: Quantum Imaging Hub - Dr Michael Fletcher, Business Development Manager, QuantIC

12:40 - 13:00: Quantum Gravitational Sensors - Dr Michael Holynski, Research Fellow, Cold Atoms Group, School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Birmingham

13:00 - 13:20: Dr Jo Smart, Project Manager, Quantum Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology

13.20 – 13:30: Quantum Q&A

13:30 - 14:30: Lunch

14:30 - 15:30: Identifying opportunities - themed roundtable discussions

15:30 - 16:30: Networking and lab tour

For any queries please contact the organiser using the button on the right.

Poonam Phull, Events Manager

Phil Williams, Knowledge Transfer Manager, Robotics and Autonomous Systems