RAICo and Robotics Cluster empower businesses to elevate Cumbria as centre of excellence

Businesses keen to collaborate and share knowledge were given a guided tour of a cutting edge facility driving innovation in robotics and AI.

Members of the Cumbria Robotics Cluster were welcomed to RAICo1, in Whitehaven, Cumbria, where they received a behind-the-scenes tour of the building.

They were introduced to RAICo’s projects and technologies with the potential to accelerate the deployment of robotics and AI in nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.

RAICo1 is home to RAICo – a partnership between the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd (SL), and the University of Manchester.

Director Dr Kirsty Hewitson accompanied Cluster members on their tour of the facility.  

She said: “By harnessing the combined potential of robotics and AI, we are developing and delivering solutions to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering challenges for near term deployment. 

“Through our collaboration, we are working tirelessly to develop technological solutions that will have a long-lasting impact. 

“As a collaboration, we actively encourage engagement from the supply chain, SMEs, and the wider community. I strongly urge any local business that sees a tender they have the capability to deliver to go for it. 

“RAICo dedicates a significant proportion of its funding to the supply chain, driving economic growth as we develop technology to address shared decommissioning and fusion engineering challenges.” 

Members of the Cumbria Robotics Cluster, which is powered by West Cumbria’s Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH), were introduced to several innovative projects, including: 

• RoBox: A state-of-the-art robotics-integrated glovebox system designed to safely and securely handle hazardous materials. Equipped with collaborative robots (cobots) and advanced digital tools, it enables precise and efficient operations while minimising risks to human operators. 

• Lirob: A next-generation through-wall manipulator – or robotic arm – that can be installed through purpose-built apertures in nuclear facilities. It operates in hazardous environments inaccessible to humans due to high radiation levels. 

Earlier in the day, the Robotics Cluster heard from Tim Davies, Head of Supply Chain at UKAEA, and Phil Perkins, Strategic Procurement Business Partner at UKAEA which manages procurement on behalf of RAICo. 

Tim and Phil  gave a presentation on the procurement process and answered questions from Cluster members about how Cumbrian businesses can position themselves for the best chance of success when suitable tenders are published. 

The Cumbria Robotics Cluster brings together organisations with a shared vision to elevate Cumbria as a globally recognised centre of excellence in robotics engineering. 

Founded in March 2024, the Cluster aims to deliver substantial social and economic benefits to the region by fostering growth in the robotics sector through collaborative innovation and knowledge-sharing. 

Gary McKeating, Managing Director of iSH, said: “This visit was an excellent example of how the cluster is helping to bring together the expertise, ideas, innovation and opportunities this region offers to advance its capabilities further and to fully cement its position as a world leader in robotics engineering. 

“Our thanks go to the RAICo team and everyone who took part for such a valuable event which will help to support businesses as they apply for tenders, diversifying the supply chain and helping to deliver an economic boost.”