Tag Archive for: research

EDF Trial

Unique underwater drone carries out first ever autonomous inspection of windfarms

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Researchers from the Offshore Robotics for Certification of Assets (ORCA) Hub have partnered with EDF to deploy a uniquely customised remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to carry out what is believed to be the first autonomous wind farm foundation inspection of the energy company’s Blyth Offshore Wind Farm.

The ROV, equipped and operated by researchers from the ORCA Hub, a strategic project within the National Robotarium and funded by the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, was modified to include cutting-edge robotic technologies for autonomous inspection capabilities and carried out visual inspections of the gravity-based foundations of three offshore turbines over the course of four days.

The inspections were undertaken as part of a partnership between EDF and the ORCA Hub to investigate a wide range of potential applications for drone technology to assess offshore wind turbines. The trials demonstrated the drone’s ability to work autonomously at the site, as it recorded videos to assess the exterior condition of turbine foundations and cables.

The drone was also used to create a 3D reconstruction model of parts of the underwater assets, which will be used to monitor biofouling, the accumulation of microorganisms, plants and algae on the turbine foundations.

“This trial demonstrates the enormous potential for underwater robots to autonomously carry out inspection and maintenance of offshore wind turbines, reducing the need and the associated risks of putting personnel into challenging and hazardous environments. By equipping the ROV with sensors and robot autonomy software developed by the ORCA Hub, we can obtain high-quality videos and build an extremely accurate 3D model of the turbine foundations, providing rich information in a more efficient manner for companies working in this sector.

“Due to their locations, offshore wind farms are costly and difficult to monitor and maintain with the industry currently facing a range of challenges such as cost, safety and operational logistics. Solutions developed by ORCA Hub researchers have helped its partners to overcome many of these challenges. We are already demonstrating the many benefits of using robotics in the offshore renewable sector, giving service providers and operators, like EDF, a wealth of information and data to support their planning, maintenance and decision-making while reducing costs, risks and carbon footprint.” – Dr Sen Wang, lead of Robotics and Autonomous Systems at the National Robotarium

Paul Clarke, Portfolio Manager for Offshore Wind at EDF Renewables UK, said: “These trials have showcased the ability of autonomous inspection drones to collect high-quality images of offshore turbine technology. These images, and the modelling they enable, will greatly enhance our ability to carry out operations and maintenance activities on-site.

“Further tests are needed to estimate the time required to inspect all of the turbine foundations, and to demonstrate the full potential of marine robotic technology. However it is clear from these initial results that the technology can ensure safer and faster operations and a reduced carbon footprint.

James Wilson, Area Manager at EDF Renewables UK said: “Marine robotics is a booming field with a myriad of applications for offshore wind farms, and we’re delighted to have partnered with the ORCA Hub for this successful trial. The drone proved its ability to work autonomously and make a significant contribution to turbine operation and maintenance, and we’re excited at the possibilities afforded by drone technology to further streamline these procedures.”

As the National Robotarium prepares to open its doors, research and technology developed by the ORCA Hub is set to continue within the £22.4m facility. Established experts in offshore robotics from ORCA will be strategically positioned alongside industry and academic partners, creating a synergy that is intended to advance existing autonomous solutions through to commercial adoption.

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A group of people in hard hats in front of a robot dog

UKRI Board visits the National Robotarium

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Members of the UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) Board visited Heriot-Watt University for a tour of its new National Robotarium on 10 May.

Board members, which included Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser DBE FRS and Director General for Science Innovation and Growth at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Jo Shanmugalingam, joined Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh Principals, Professor Richard A. Williams and Peter Mathieson, and others, for a walk through the purpose-built facility, where they were updated on its development so far and visions for the future.

The group were shown examples of the kind of robotic technology that will be tested and developed at the site once it opens for business later this year, including a demo by Boston Dynamics robot dog, Spot, which has been used by construction company, Robertson, to record and analyse vital data across the hazardous areas of the National Robotarium building site. They also got a glimpse of the new Assisted Living Lab, which will emulate a real-life living environment for testing robotic solutions to support independent living in the home.

Following the tour, the group sat down for a round-table discussion that covered the universities’ progress in developing research collaborations with industry partners, and proposals for future growth and development of the multi-million pound facility.

Stewart Miller, Chief Executive at the National Robotarium, said:

“It was a privilege to meet with our guests from UKRI and demonstrate how investment in the National Robotarium will have a direct benefit to society and the UK economy. Scotland already has a rich background in robotics and AI and the establishment of the National Robotarium is the next phase in positioning us as global leaders in this rapidly growing industry.

“Our new building will not only be home to cutting edge technology, automated systems, and laser labs, but will also include multiple collaboration spaces for industry partners to work directly with us to develop and test their ideas.

“Creating this synergy between industry, science, talent development and enterprise is what’s going to help drive the National Robotarium to achieve its goal to becoming a world-leading centre for robotics and AI.”

Professor Richard A. Williams, Heriot-Watt Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said:

“Heriot-Watt University is immensely proud to partner with the University of Edinburgh in the creation of the National Robotarium. As global leaders in robotics and autonomous systems, we were thrilled to welcome colleagues from the UKRI and showcase its potential as a world-leading centre for innovation.

“It is a shining example of how strong partnerships between universities and industry can drive research and technology, create jobs, and make a positive impact to society.

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Robot dog at exhibition event

The National Robotarium at the Scottish AI Summit

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Researchers from the National Robotarium took part in the inaugural Scottish AI Summit, hosted by Scotland’s AI Strategy at Dynamic Earth on 30th March.

The sell-out event was organised to showcase how Scotland is delivering on its vision to become a leader in the development and use of Trustworthy, Ethical and Inclusive AI.

The National Robotarium team, led by Professor Lynne Baillie, took part in the all-day exhibition with a variety of robots on-hand to demonstrate the breadth of robotics and AI science being explored at the world-leading facility, which opens later this year.

National Robotarium exhibition stand with selection of robots

Robots on display included ARI, Nao, SPOT and the Toyota Human Support Robot

Professor Baillie said: “We were thrilled to take part – and sponsor – the first ever Scottish AI Summit, and help support Scotland’s AI Strategy in driving the national agenda to build trust in AI technologies.

“At the National Robotarium we’re committed to advancing robotics science and engineering, and want to show people that, as well as being fun and engaging, there is huge potential for robots and artificial intelligence to positively impact healthcare, safety, productivity, and our lives as a whole.

“Getting to demonstrate that to a sell-out audience, and being able to connect with Scotland’s thriving network of data and technology professionals, government leaders and educators, was a fantastic opportunity.”

Also in attendance was Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, Kate Forbes MSP, who delivered the keynote address and officially launched the Scottish Government’s new guide to use of artificial intelligence in Scotland. The Scottish AI Playbook is being developed as a practical and living resource that will enable Scottish businesses to effectively utilise AI to drive growth and innovation.

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Men in hardhats and robot dog

UK Secretary of State visits the National Robotarium

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Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove toured the National Robotarium’s state-of-the-art research facility for robotics and artificial intelligence in Edinburgh, which is backed by £21 million in UK government funding.

Mr Gove saw some of the innovative research projects being developed at the National Robotarium including a demonstration from the facility’s resident robot dogs. These four-legged robots will be used to support people working in hazardous environments like energy inspection and disaster recovery as well as making the construction process safer, more efficient, and sustainable.

The funding, which is provided through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal with an additional £1.4 million from the Scottish Government, is supporting the National Robotarium to create cutting-edge solutions to many of the challenges we face in everyday life.

Heriot-Watt University Vice Principal, Professor Mark Biggs said:

“Backed by the combined experience of Heriot-Watt and the University of Edinburgh, we’re demonstrating how Scotland and the UK can lead global developments in robotics and AI, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and addressing some of industry and societies biggest challenges.

“We look forward to working closely with governments to ensure the National Robotarium makes a positive impact by accelerating growth, attracting investment and acting as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and job creation.”

The National Robotarium is a world-leading research facility for robotics and artificial intelligence, the largest and most advanced of its type in the UK.

Examples of projects include the development of a train cleaning robot that can complement existing staff while reducing health risks, a robotic coach to aid the process of long-term rehabilitation after stroke, and underwater robots to support safer inspection and repair of offshore wind turbines. Mr Gove also heard more about the facility’s growing partnerships with industry, healthcare organisations and its support for entrepreneurship.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Michael Gove MP said:

“Levelling up is a shared endeavour across the United Kingdom. To succeed, we have to work together. We can see here in Edinburgh what we can achieve when governments, local authorities, partners from academia and private sector come together to deliver real results.

“The National Robotarium is the perfect example of what is possible when we work together, and it has been fantastic to see some of the innovative projects being developed here that genuinely have the potential to change people’s lives for the better.”

Based at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, the new facility is due to be completed this year, bringing with it jobs and prosperity to the region.

The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal draws on a combined total of £600 million in funding from both Scottish and UK governments to invest in projects over a 15 year period focussing on research, employability and skills, transport, culture and housing.

This comes less than a month after the UK government set out an ambitious plan to level up the whole of the United Kingdom. In addition to existing City Region and City and Growth Deals, our Levelling Up White Paper set up further plans to harness innovation, including £100 million in funding to set up three innovation accelerators across the UK, including one in Glasgow. These will create “Silicon Valley” set ups which will harness research and development in the area.

We have already seen investment as part of the UK government suite of levelling up funds. £1.7 billion was invested throughout the UK in round one of the Levelling Up Fund including £172 million on 8 projects in Scotland.

While in Edinburgh, Mr Gove, who is also the UK government Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, also visited the flagship UK Government Hub in Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth House, and spoke at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and Improvement Service Annual Conference 2022. He also appeared before the Finance and Public Administration Committee of the Scottish Parliament.

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School pupils on a hill with robot dog

The National Robotarium inspires young minds through its youth engagement programme

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The National Robotarium has launched its public outreach programme to inspire and educate young people about robotics and AI.

Designed to drive engagement and broaden access to cutting-edge technology, the programme will build future skills and encourage more young people from a wider range of backgrounds to consider a robotics career.

To celebrate the programme’s launch, more than 1,000 primary school pupils from 39 schools entered a competition to name the National Robotarium’s new ‘Spot’ robot dog. The first of its kind in Scotland, the dancing robot made by Boston Dynamics toured the winning schools along with a team of robot scientists who delivered a workshop on hazardous environment research.

The name ‘M.A.R.T.I.N.’, submitted by the P6/P7 class at Aberlady Primary School near Edinburgh, was crowned the winner. The acronym stands for Mechanical, Artificial, Remote, Technological, Intelligent, Ninja.

Chosen by guest judge and BBC science journalist and broadcaster Vivienne Parry because of its ability to inspire discussions surrounding the fundamentals of robotics, M.A.R.T.I.N. has since been joined at the National Robotarium by a second robot dog with a mechanical arm.

Aptly named MA.R.T.I.N.A. with the final ‘A’ acknowledging its robotic arm, the two robot dogs have been fitted with specially created hardware to carry out research into how robots can support humans in offshore energy inspection, construction and disaster recovery.

Two drawings won the design competition. ‘Fire Bot’ by Cole Paterson (aged 10) and ‘Care Taker Bot’ by Sophie McGinty (aged 8) were chosen because of their detailed robot features that enabled their creations to help people and to solve global challenges, mirroring the objectives of the National Robotarium.

The National Robotarium is part of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative and is supported by £21 million from the UK Government and £1.4 million from the Scottish Government through the £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal – a 15 year investment programme jointly funded by both governments and regional partners.

Professor Petillot, co-academic lead of the National Robotarium and director of the ORCA Hub, said: “The National Robotarium is keen to engage as many young people as possible in AI and robotics research to inspire the scientists of the future. The enthusiasm the pupils have shown in taking part in this competition is fantastic as it proves how much interest there is in robots. I’m excited to see how the next generation will embrace technology and evolve it with the new ideas they will bring to the field.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “Robotics is an area with tremendous potential to help us all live healthier, safer, more prosperous lives. Our children stand to benefit the most, and engaging them early in this cutting-edge sector is essential to ensuring Scotland is at the forefront of this revolution.

“The UK Government is supporting the Robotarium with £21 million as part of our £1.7 billion investment in levelling-up communities right across Scotland.”

Employment Minister at the Scottish Government Richard Lochhead said:

“Automation, robotics and wider technological advances will have a significant impact on the labour market and the demand for skills will change as our businesses adapt. It’s crucial our young people are able to take advantage of these opportunities in the future as we build on our growing reputation for hi-tech industries.

“The Scottish Government is providing £1.4 million to support the National Robotarium. Ensuring Scotland has a skilled and productive workforce, both now and in future, is central to our ambitions for our economy.

“We want to ensure our people and businesses have the skills to be successful in the rapidly evolving world of work.”

Lottie Bradley, aged 12, a pupil from Aberlady primary school, said: “The robots are really interesting. It’s amazing to have these robots to help make everyone safer, because people won’t have to go into dangerous situations. It would also make work a lot more fun if you could get to control a robot.”

Judge Vivienne Parry, BBC science journalist and broadcaster said: “For us now, robots are extraordinary. But for those in school today they will be normal and part of both their work and play. It’s essential that these young people are equipped for this future so that they can develop robotics to its full potential.”

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Researchers to develop made-to-measure 3D laser beams

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Researchers at the National Robotarium have secured £586,000 to develop 3D laser beams whose shape can be changed.

The innovation is set to transform the manufacturing and healthcare technology industries, making it easier and cheaper to produce products that require highly-precise manufacturing, such as medical equipment and mobile devices.

The funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, will support the development of the lasers for industry application, accelerating the commercialisation of the technology for the benefit of businesses.

Lasers are a crucial component of modern manufacturing, with the global laser processing market projected to grow from £2.8 billion in 2020 to £4.1 billion by 2025. They are used widely by industry to produce precise incisions and mould materials into specific shapes.

However, this approach to laser-based manufacturing depends on melting or vaporising the material, which means the laser’s energy must be focussed on the right points. The standard laser beam shape makes it difficult to tailor this for specific manufacturing processes, decreasing efficiency and limiting what can be made.

The research to be undertaken at the National Robotarium will develop laser beams which have been specifically designed to meet the exact manufacturing requirements of products, improving efficiency and precision.

The National Robotarium is supported by £21 million from the UK Government and £1.4 million from the Scottish Government as part of the £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal – a 15 year investment programme jointly funded by both governments and regional partners.

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “This is cutting-edge technology in every sense of the phrase. These 3D lasers are set to unlock previously unheard of levels of precision and so transform our manufacturing and medical technology industries, boosting the UK’s global reputation for innovation and attracting jobs and further investment.

“This exciting research is being supported both by a £586,000 UK Research and Innovation grant, and our £21 million investment in the National Robotarium through the Edinburgh City Region Deal.”

The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy Kate Forbes said: “I’m very pleased to hear this cutting-edge research will be carried out at the National Robotarium, which is funded through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, and that it will have a direct impact on our world leading manufacturing industries.

“This is a crucial time for business, trade and investment in Scotland. City Region and Growth Deals have a key role to play in our economic recovery from the pandemic as we work towards a fairer and more inclusive Scotland. Our £300 million commitment to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal will enable much needed investment in transport, housing, culture, and innovation, as well as skills development for local people, to help build a future economy that benefits everyone.”

The new technique could be harnessed to improve how holes for sensors and cameras on smartphone screens are drilled and to increase the density of information on semiconductor chips, helping to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for more memory in devices.

Medical applications could include cancer surgery, where it is hoped more precise medical instruments could allow the resection of tumours without removing healthy surrounding tissue. In an academic partnership, the project’s research into this kind of medical application will be supported by Professor David Jayne at the University of Leeds.

In keeping with the National Robotarium’s focus on industry collaboration, researchers will work with three industrial partners, PowerPhotonic, Oxford Lasers and the G&H Group, to optimise the approach and final product for commercial application.

Dr Richard Carter, Assistant Professor of Applied Optics and Photonics at Heriot-Watt University and the project’s lead, said:

“Manufacturing is of key strategic importance to the UK, with a particular focus on high-tech and high-value manufacturing. This research will address the priority area of digital manufacturing, enabling a bespoke, rapid response capability for the first time. The new methods we are developing represent a paradigm shift in the capabilities of laser-based manufacturing, making it possible to move between 3D beam shapes with zero down-time, low cost and minimal technical know-how.

“Through collaboration with our industry partners, we’ll be able to develop the lasers in line with what industry needs, providing solutions to manufacturing challenges across a wide range of sectors. However, this technology could also support research in quantum technology, waveguide physics and the bio-sciences – anywhere where light must be controlled and manipulated.”

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