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A leading academic and director from the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics has taken centre stage in a new UK Government video promoting the Industrial Strategy.
Professor David Lane took part in a day's filming last month, along with students and staff to explain the university's work in robotics and AI.
The UK Government is making significant investments as part of its commitment to investing 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027 - meaning £7 billion in new public funding for science, research and innovation: the largest increase for 40 years.
The UK Government's investment in research and innovation will make sure we are able to grow our economy and accelerate beyond other nations across the world with our innovation ambitions. We're delighted to be part of this movement.
The university has one of the best robotics centres in the UK, designed to not only carry out world class scientific research but also improve productivity, jobs and encourage economic growth – all key themes in the Industrial Strategy.
And academics and staff at the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics have been continuing to work hard to strengthen their strong international collaborations around the world, in the likes of China and the EU.
Recently, the Centre launched a major research and innovation Hub ORCA: Offshore Robotics for Certification of Assets led by Professor Lane and a team of 50.
The project received funding of £14.3m funding from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) to be matched by a larger sum from industry and other innovation agencies.
The money will be used to develop robotics and AI technologies for use in offshore energy applications, including oil, gas and renewables.
The Hub will create robot-assisted asset inspection and maintenance technologies that are capable of working alongside remote operators, making autonomous and semi-autonomous decisions and interventions. The robot systems include aerial, topside and marine systems.
Professor David Lane, said: “At Heriot-Watt we're constantly striving to produce the brightest and best AI and robotics experts. We are a key component in the Industrial Strategy with a new £8 figure National Robotarium set of facilities and organisation on the horizon and our ORCA Hub – both providing new avenues to drive jobs and the economy forward.
“The UK Government's investment in research and innovation will make sure we are able to grow our economy and accelerate beyond other nations across the world with our innovation ambitions. We're delighted to be part of this movement.”
Alongside his academic duties, Professor Lane also advises the UK Government on relevant matters of innovation policy and strategy, invests personally to support start-up company creation from the research base, and leads the push for innovation, and impact from research in supply chains with staff and students in the Centre.