£1million robotics competition launched

The money will be used to fund feasibility studies that accelerate the development of systems that allow robots to interact with each other and humans, use sensors to learn from their environment, and adapt their behaviour and make choices based on their stored knowledge and experiences. It is hoped that this will lead to greater commercialisation of technology innovations in sectors such as aerospace, defence, transport, health, consumer goods and manufacturing. "This investment will give innovative UK companies the time and space they need to develop robotics and autonomous systems," said Universities and Science Minister David Willetts. "This is an exciting technology area that could make a real difference to a range of sectors, such as high value manufacturing." The competition opens on 4 February 2013. All projects must be collaborative, led by an SME and last up to 12 months. Each grant is envisaged to be up to £133,000, although projects outside this range will be considered.