Yorkshire universities take part in major robot conference in London

THE FUTURE of robots in industry was showcased at a major conference which included academics from leading Yorkshire universities.

The UK’s world-leading research was highlighted at the second UK Robotics Week, which closed yesterday in London.

The conference, organised by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), followed a week-long series of events across the country including Yorkshire which illustrated the latest research in areas such as surgery, social care and disaster relief. The events culminated in the International Robotics Showcase, which was held yesterday at Savoy Place in London, and was attended by academics from Leeds and Sheffield universities.

Professor Philip Nelson, one of the organisers, said: “The UK’s robotics and AI (artificial intelligence) research is truly world-leading and has the potential to revolutionise vital areas such as healthcare, transport and space exploration, improving our lives and delivering prosperity for the UK.

“UK Robotics Week highlights the latest research in this exciting field and will hopefully inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and designers.”

Key events at this year’s UK Robotics Week included a social care robot challenge at the Sheffield and Bristol universities.

There was also an engineering summer school at the University of Leeds.

Devices on show included a robot which could work in care homes, a robotic hand and a robot companion and ‘therapy robot’ called Miro.

Schoolchildren from across the UK are also participating in the School Robot Challenge, where they will learn how to design a virtual robot bug and teach it to move.