The first RAS (Robotics & Autonomous Systems) in Challenging Environments Expo took place at the end of last month at the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments) centre at Culham, Oxfordshire, with over 100 robotic experts from a range of industry sectors taking part.

At the event, RACE unveiled a new national facility for independent testing of robotic performance against common industry standards.

Based on a well-established model from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, it is the first such benchmarking system for robotic testing in the UK.

RACE also launched innovative software for controlling multiple robotic devices. Lead technologist Rob Skilton demonstrated the software in action with live displays.

He said: “Many robotic and remote-handling systems are a combination of devices, some old and others new, some bespoke and others off-the-shelf, often made by different manufacturers.

“If each system has its own control software, it makes operations and maintenance more complex — especially in nuclear or other challenging environments. Our new software solves this problem by integrating all the devices into one control system, which updates automatically as new components are added.”