| Jul 17, 2013 |
UK to build GBP 6 million Robotics Centre In Edinburgh
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(Nanowerk News) Computing scientists from the University of Edinburghare to join forces with experts at Heriot-Watt in a £6 million research centre.
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The initiative, known as the Edinburgh Robotics and Autonomous Systems Interaction Research Facility, has been made possible as part of an £85 million investment by the UK Government.
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The funding was announced by David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, on behalf of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
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Meeting challenges
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Scientists and engineers at the centre will seek to apply robotics research to problems in industry and society.
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Researchers will develop expertise in areas including robot learning and underwater systems.
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Experts at the University of Edinburgh will focus on robot-robot interactions, while Heriot-Watt University scientists will target interactions between humans, robots and autonomous systems.
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"This new centre builds upon Edinburgh's reputation as an international hub for robotics research and prepares us for new challenges where humans and robotic systems must work together," says Professor Dave Robertson.
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Key economic driver
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Robotics has the potential to create breakthroughs in oil and gas, manufacturing, search and rescue, defence and environmental monitoring.
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Autonomous robots could also be used, for example, to help the elderly with everyday tasks, or to help develop sophisticated prosthetic limbs.
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Robotics and autonomous systems has been identified by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as a key technology to help drive UK economic growth.
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The funding will help develop a world-leading research base in the sector, which is estimated to be worth €15.5 billion globally.
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