AAIP press release: York hosts the launch of major autonomous programme
Major industrial and academic organisations gather in York to launch new programme in robotics and autonomous systems.
The Assuring Autonomy International Programme, funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation and the University of York, held its official launch at the University on 5 July, attended by key organisations from the robotics and safety fields.
As the role and importance of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) increases across the globe, the Programme is spearheading research, training and standards to assure their safety.
Professor John McDermid OBE FREng, Director of the Assuring Autonomy International Programme, said:
“The University is a world leader in the field of safe and assured complex systems, with over 30 years of pioneering research and training. This Programme allows us to apply our expertise to the emerging field of assuring the safe design and operation of robotics and autonomous systems. We are working at the interface between industry, regulators and the research community to ensure that society can increasingly benefit from these systems and be assured of their safety while doing so.”
Professor Jon Timmis, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange at the University of York, chaired the day said:
“Working in partnership with Lloyd’s Register Foundation on the Assuring Autonomy International Programme allows us to support research and teaching that is dynamic, inspirational and life-changing in its impact by developing ways to demonstrate, assure and regulate safety on a global scale.”
While, Professor Richard Clegg, Foundation Chief Executive at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, said:
“Lloyd’s Register Foundation has developed a truly modern model to do social business, and support research to improve safety to human life and critical infrastructure. We are pleased to support the Assuring Autonomy International Programme to ensure that future generations benefit from the safe adoption of robotics and autonomous systems.”
Professor McDermid also announced a new funding call at the event: awards of between £100,000 and £500,000 are available for up to ten real-world ‘demonstrator’ projects that directly address the assurance and safety of robotics and autonomous systems.
The deadline for applications is 11.59pm (GMT) on 9 September 2018.