Government to invest £17.3m into robotics, micro-robots and AI research

Imperial College and Manchester University to pioneer research into robotics, micro-robotics and AI

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has announced two new programmes of grants for research into artificial intelligence and robotics worth £17.3m.

The aim of the research, particularly into robotics, is aimed at using them in dangerous places, such as nuclear facilities, as well as the potential for using micro-robots in areas such as surgery.

"For several decades, EPSRC has been at the forefront of supporting the UK's research, training and innovation in robotics, automation and artificial intelligence systems, and has been instrumental in fostering interdisciplinary partnerships between academics, industry, government and other parties," said Professor Philip Nelson, chief executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

"Throughout the world, however, from the US to South Korea, China to Japan, governments are investing billions of dollars into these new technologies. We are faring very well against this global competition, and we should not slow the momentum. These investments are vital for continuing the pipeline that transforms research into products and services."

Some of the money will go to Imperial College London and towards micro-robots for surgery purposes, and some will go to the University of Manchester, which will take on the hazardous environments work and build the robots to go into the areas where people would probably rather not.

"Britain has a proud history of digital innovation - from the earliest days of computing to Sir Tim Berners-Lee's development of the World Wide Web. We are already pioneers in robotics and artificial intelligence and our Digital Strategy will build on our strengths to make sure UK-based scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs continue to be at the forefront," said culture secretary Karen Bradley.

She continued: "Backing our thriving digital economy to expand and grow, by putting the best foundations in place to develop new technology, is a vital part of this Government's plan to build a modern, dynamic and global trading nation."

The money has been released as part of the government's Digital Strategy, and there are a number of universities - not just Imperial College and Manchester University - that will be receiving investment.

"Investment in robotics and artificial intelligence will help make our economy more competitive, build on our world-leading reputation in these cutting-edge sectors and help us create new products, develop more innovative services and establish better ways of doing business," said business secretary Greg Clark.

"Innovation is at the heart of our industrial strategy and the launch of the government's Digital Strategy underlines our commitment to this vital sector.

"By supporting British businesses and investing in dynamic fields such as robotics and AI, we will help put the UK at the forefront of global innovation."