RAICo 1st Suppliers’ Event: Paving the Way for Innovation in Nuclear Robotics and AI

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RAICo, the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration, is spearheading a transformative journey by uniting key players from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd (SL), UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), and the University of Manchester. Together, they are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence technologies crucial for the deployment of remotely operated solutions in fission decommissioning and future fusion power plants.


The first Suppliers' Event, held on the 5th of July 2023 at the prestigious National Conference Centre in Birmingham, marked an essential milestone for RAICo. With a keen focus on engaging with industry participants, the event showcased upcoming collaboration opportunities and introduced the objectives and research themes that RAICo is passionately pursuing.

RAICo: A Trailblazing Collaboration

As an end user-led collaboration, RAICo plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between fission decommissioning and fusion engineering teams. By harnessing the potential of robotics and artificial intelligence, RAICo is driving innovation to address the challenges faced in hazardous nuclear environments.


Over 100 delegates had the privilege of attending the event, where they were greeted with comprehensive presentations from the four RAICo partners. During the presentation session, the four RAICo partners, namely NDA, SL, UKAEA, and the University of Manchester, unveiled their objectives, research and development themes, and upcoming procurement opportunities. The enthusiasm in the room was palpable as attendees got a glimpse of the exciting prospects that RAICo offers for advancements in nuclear robotics and AI.

The event also featured exhibition booths, where Lead Technologists from each research theme and procurement personnel engaged in dynamic discussions with industry representatives. The vibrant exchange of ideas fostered an atmosphere of collaboration and laid the foundation for future joint efforts to address critical challenges in the nuclear industry.

Professor Rob Buckingham's Insight

During the event, Professor Rob Buckingham, UKAEA's Executive Director of Robotics, Repurposing, and Decommissioning, expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of robotics and AI in hazardous nuclear environments. He emphasized that these technologies will be the driving force behind safer, faster, and more cost-efficient fission decommissioning, while also playing a pivotal role in bringing fusion-generated electricity to the grid. Professor Buckingham warmly welcomed industry players to collaborate with RAICo, uniting their expertise to achieve these transformative goals together.

RAICo's first Suppliers' Event marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in the world of robotics and artificial intelligence for nuclear applications. In the spirit of collaboration and shared goals, RAICo and its partners look forward to working hand in hand with industry pioneers to create a safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced future for nuclear decommissioning and fusion power plants.