About RAICo

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) is a collaboration between the UK Atomic Energy Authority, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Sellafield Ltd and the University of Manchester.

The collaboration is accelerating the deployment of robotics and AI in nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.

RAICo develops remotely operated solutions for decommissioning, including in the nuclear industry, and for the operation and maintenance of future fusion power plants.

Through the use of robotics and AI, RAICo helps remove people from harmful environments across the nuclear sector, achieving safer, faster and more cost-effective solutions.

RAICo’s teams operate from all over the UK, and are situated in the North-West of England, including Whitehaven, Warrington, Manchester and in Oxford. We actively engage with the supply chain and educational institutions in the areas as part of socioeconomic initiatives to spread opportunity more equally across the UK.

RAICo is open to engaging with governments, academia, industry, supply chain companies, SMEs and communities to ensure its work achieves maximum impact.

RAICo is about synergy in action. We work towards our Vision guided by our Mission and motivated by our Purpose, fully embracing our Values.

Purpose

Solving shared nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering challenges by accelerating deployment of robotics and AI.

Vision

To make a positive difference to industry, people and society through the use of robotics and AI.

Mission

To empower people to develop robotics and AI solutions which create opportunities for supply chains and deliver impact for industry and communities.

Values

About our partners

RAICo benefits from strong support from national and regional stakeholders, the Government and funders who recognise its transformative potential and who are committed to playing a role in its success.

UKAEA

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is the UK’s national organisation responsible for the research and delivery of fusion energy. Its mission is to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise the scientific and economic benefit. UKAEA’s iconic Joint European Torus’ (JET) facility, the world’s largest operational magnetic fusion experiment, ended its scientific operations in 2023. JET is now being decommissioned and repurposed (JDR). The UKAEA’s Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme will demonstrate the ability to generate net energy from fusion.

NDA

We lead the clean-up and decommissioning of the UK’s former nuclear sites on behalf of government. It’s one of the most important environmental programmes in the world, protecting people and the planet. Our group is made up of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and four key component parts: Sellafield, Nuclear Restoration Services, Nuclear Waste Services and Nuclear Transport Solutions. Our 17,000 strong, skilled workforce works across 17 of the UK’s oldest nuclear sites, using innovation and technology to overcome the challenges of identifying and removing nuclear waste from ageing facilities, so we can store safely and permanently dispose of it.

Sellafield Ltd

Sellafield Ltd is the largest nuclear site in the UK owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority with the aim to create a clean and safe environment for future generations. The main site located on the west coast of Cumbria is one of the largest employers in the region and collaborates with more than 40,000 people from the supply chain. Together, they lead in engineering, innovation, project management, and support functions in helping deliver the mission.

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, with outstanding facilities and the widest range of courses. Highly respected across the globe as a centre of teaching excellence and innovative research, we are committed to worldclass research, an outstanding learning and student experience and social responsibility in everything we do. The University’s mission is to advance education, knowledge and wisdomfor the good of society. We will be recognised globally for the excellence of our people, research, learning and innovation, and for the benefits we bring to society and the environment.