Manchester Robotics Showcase demonstrates combined impact of UK’s robotics organisations

One of RAICo’s stalls at the event.

On 27th November, the Robotics Innovation Showcase came to Manchester, bringing together six organisations representing robotics innovation in the UK, and highlighting the latest advances in robotics and their real-world applications. 

The event welcomed an audience of robotics and AI researchers, students, industry professionals and technology end-users, as well as representatives from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and across government.  

It provided an opportunity for those working across sectors to engage directly with emerging robotics developments, and learn about funding opportunities, and a chance for those involved in the six programmes to demonstrate the real-world impact of robotics funding to government. 

The event was co-organised by The University of Manchester’s Centre for Robotics and AI, which played host, RAICo, CRADLE (Centre for Robotic Autonomy in Demanding and Long-Lasting Environments), RAINZ CDT (EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and AI for Net Zero), and UK RAS (UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems). 

The showcase also saw the formal launch of the Accelerator for Cumbria and Oxfordshire Robotics in Nuclear (ACORN), which was the sixth organising partner. ACORN offers a range of funding opportunities to accelerate the commercialisation of robotics and AI for nuclear decommissioning, while supporting economic growth and job creation in Oxfordshire and Cumbria. 

With over 300 attendees, the Showcase delivered a packed programme of presentations and demonstrations from each of the six organising partners. 

It was the first time all six organisations have come together to showcase not just their own work but how they all complement each other in advancing UK robotics. 

RAICo representing robotics in nuclear decommissioning 

As one of the partners, RAICo was there to discuss the role of robotics in nuclear decommissioning and the potential from active deployments. Dr Kirsty Hewitson, Dr Salvador Pacheco-Gutierrez, Dr Pawel Ladosz, and RAICo Junior Fellow Diana Benjumea Hernandez all presented to attendees on RAICo’s work.  

Two RAICo1-based researchers contributed demonstrations.

Nathan Shankar showcased research on enabling robots to carry out exploration and inspection tasks in complete darkness.

Dr Zhongmou Li demonstrated a modified UGV and drone from the CORAL project (COllaborative Robot Autonomy and Localisation), which is enabling water, aerial or ground-based robots to collaborate and perform repeatable autonomous inspections of both wet and dry facilities. 

Various Showcase attendees. 

Some comments from attendees

RAICo Director Kirsty Hewitson said: “This event shows how RAICo and these five other robotics programmes are working synergistically – not in silos, but intertwined – using taxpayer-funded support to deliver collective value, benefit and impact. It’s been great to highlight our technical achievements, but this event has really been about demonstrating our shared strategic intent and our commitment to working in a joined-up, responsible way.” 

Deepankar Gahloth, Research Associate at the University of Manchester, said: “The showcase was extremely valuable in raising the national profile of RAICo’s academic theme, strengthening cross-sector relationships, and enabling our researchers and students to receive feedback from end-users and industry stakeholders. Engagement throughout the event was exceptional, with participants responding enthusiastically to the quality, ambition and real-world relevance of the work presented. Crucially, the showcase has already catalysed new opportunities for national collaboration. This kind of cross-sector exchange is essential for accelerating innovation, strengthening UK industrial capability, and developing the next generation of robotics talent.” 

Dr Robert Skilton, Head of Robotics Research & Technology at UKAEA, who attended the event, said:“It’s been an incredible opportunity to connect with the robotics community! Research organisations, academia, industry, and government have come together to share insights and explore future collaboration. This is how we accelerate UK robotics innovation, through partnership and knowledge exchange.”