New Cumbria Robotics Cluster to focus on nuclear decommissioning, field robotics

Among the ingredients for a successful regional robotics cluster are an industry focus and institutional support. The Cumbria Robotics Cluster yesterday marked its official launch in the U.K.

It builds on nuclear decommissioning efforts and plans to work with other organizations to build recognition of the county in northwestern England as a globally recognized center of excellence for field robotics.

“The formation of the Cumbria Robotics Cluster is a strategic step towards consolidating Cumbria’s position as a leader in high-tech engineering solutions,” stated Gary McKeating, managing director of the Industrial Solutions Hub.

“By linking together the expertise of our region’s top firms, we are not only aiming to tackle some of the most pressing industrial challenges through robotics, but also to spark inclusive economic growth and attract further investment into our community,” he said.

Cumbria Robotics Cluster collects data for direction

The Industrial Solutions Hub (iSH), a public-private partnership, founded the Cumbria Robotics Cluster in March. The cluster’s goal is “to deliver substantial social and economic benefits to Cumbria by fostering growth in the robotics sector through collaborative innovation and knowledge-sharing.”

Members and collaborators include Sellafield Ltd., Robotics and AI Collaboration (RAICo), the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and large and small supply chain companies. The cluster said it plans to help develop advanced robotics technologies and skills to address challenges, particularly in the nuclear industry and other harsh environments.

The Cumbria Robotics Cluster launched at the Harnessing Robotics and AI for Challenging Environments (HRAICE) event at the Energus conference and training venue in Workington, U.K. At HRAICE, iSH surveyed all delegates to get a baseline of the current robotics capability in the area.

This baseline was used as part of an iSH-facilitated workshop to start to map out where Cumbria’s capability sits within the broader national and international robotics scene.

“This cluster represents a significant opportunity for synergy and innovation amongst Cumbria’s robotics experts and industries,” noted Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo. “Through this collaborative effort, we are set to map out and expand the capabilities of robotics in the region, driving forward our joint goals of technological advancement and capacity building.”

The organizers explained that the Cumbria Robotics Cluster is not a commercial bidding entity but a network that will encourage its members to cooperate commercially as they see fit. It will also operate sub-groups focusing on specific areas of interest, providing a platform for in-depth exploration and systems development, they said.

The cluster is planning regular events for knowledge sharing and networking. It said it welcomes new members who are based or work in Cumbria and who would like to contribute to and benefit from its collective initiatives.

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iSH provides space, funding for industrial collaboration

iSH develops programs to build on West Cumbria’s nuclear heritage, expanding its technical capability, developing a regional industrial cluster. The iSH Enterprise Campus (iEC) at Cleator Moor will include a space for regional businesses to collaborate with one another and with other specialist companies from around the U.K. and the world. 

Cleator Moor Town Deal Board provides support for the ISH. Working with Copeland Borough Council, the board secured a provisional offer of £22.5 million ($28.6 million U.S.) from the U.K. government’s £3.6 billion ($4.5 billion) Towns Fund initiative in 2022.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd., and the Copeland Community Fund also pledged “significant” matching funds. Cumberland Council, the former Copeland Borough Council and Cleator Moor Town Council made further contributions.

The Cumbria Robotics Cluster said it will focus on identifying growth targets and showcasing the region’s engineering strengths both in the U.K. and internationally. 

Editor’s note: The Robot Report is continuing its coverage of robotics clusters worldwide, including MassRobotics, the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, Odense Robotics, and more.

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