Up to £16m is available to UK business across 2 competitions for technologies and systems for extreme and challenging environments.

Innovate UK is making the funding available for robotics and artificial intelligence technologies in applications such as deep mining, nuclear energy, space and off-shore energy.

This is an Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund activity. It aims to develop robotics technologies that can take people out of dangerous work environments and go beyond human limits.

The Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), in partnership with Innovate UK, welcomes parties interested in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Hazardous Environments to be briefed on the first ISCF competitions:

1. Demonstrator for RAI in extreme and challenging environments – phase 1
2. R&D for RAI in extreme and challenging environments

The event, hosted by the Knowledge Transfer Network aims to:

• Provide details of the two competitions scopes and funding
• Ensure the delegates are briefed on the competitions rules and governance as well as best practice when applying
• A presentation will be given that outlines how the KTN can assist you in the run up to the competitions deadlines
• A session will be operated to allow you to pitch your idea to the room

Who should attend: This event will benefit innovators and researchers planning to submit applications into one of the Robotics for Hazardous Environments competitions. We welcome business of all sizes and research programme owners looking to link with business collaborators.

Scopes:

Demonstrator programme: There is up to £6m available for projects that stimulate the development of robotics and artificial intelligence demonstrators. This is the first phase of the competition. Projects should focus on technical feasibility studies of individual technologies, systems or subsystems in extreme or challenging environments. Phase 2 will run in 2018. This will focus on experimental developments of fully-integrated systems that will be tested and demonstrated in realistic, extreme environments. To be considered to lead a project in phase 2 you must apply in phase 1.

Collaborative research and development: You can apply for a share of £10m for collaborative research and development (R&D) that results in new and novel systems. Projects should demonstrate a potential step-change in capabilities. Examples include:

• innovative materials or systems, for example, actuators, sensors and telecommunications
• improved robotic capabilities, such as structural and radiation tolerance
• improved machine vision systems
• improved situational awareness, navigation, localisation and mapping
• more energy-efficient devices and systems
• miniaturised systems, for example, sensors, components and integrated sub-systems
• systems engineering including verification and validation tools and methodologies
• mission planning and risk management

The focus is primarily on off-shore energy, nuclear energy, space and deep mining, however, other extreme and challenging environments may also be considered. We are particularly interested in projects that cut across sectors.

Click here for more information on these 2 competitions.

Programme:

• The competitions scopes
• Competitions process & eligibility
• Project costs/finances
• How to apply and the way forward