Oxford Dynamics Wins £1m AI Robot Contract
Oxford Dynamics, a UK start-up, has secured a £1 million contract with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory to develop an advanced AI robot for environmental remediation and recovery following chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents.
The robot will serve as the first point of contact during chemical or biological incidents, operating beyond an operator’s line of sight and navigating hazardous terrains too dangerous for humans. Located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxford Dynamics benefits from flexible access to advanced research facilities and dedicated business support.
Mike Lawton, co-founder and Director of Oxford Dynamics, expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting the expertise and business support available at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. “This is a fantastic win for Oxford Dynamics, and an excellent opportunity to showcase our innovative robotic skills fused with advanced AI technologies,” he said.
The robot will perform semi-autonomous tasks, incorporating advanced AI software to handle complex data in real-time and respond in a natural, human-like manner. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize the response to hazardous incidents, keeping humans safe and minimizing environmental damage.
Ultimately, the robot will be equipped with advanced AI software, enabling it to handle highly complex data in real-time and be controlled in a way that feels very natural, almost human-like.
Babcock & Uplift360 Team Up
In a landmark partnership announced on the opening day of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), Babcock has joined forces with Uplift360, a pioneering deep tech company, to revolutionize the recycling and repurposing of advanced defence equipment materials.
This innovative agreement will explore a comprehensive solution for managing and recycling composite materials from defence equipment, with a focus on recycling high-value materials for reuse in other applications through circular economics. As supply chain experts, Babcock will collaborate with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to develop sustainable strategies for managing end-of-life assets.
According to Tom Newman, CEO of Babcock’s Land business, “This partnership is an exciting step forward in understanding how we can breathe new life into redundant assets that can be recycled and repurposed before going back into circulation.” He emphasized Babcock’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting customers in achieving their net zero ambitions.
Sam Staincliffe, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Uplift360, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, citing the shared goals and ambitions between the two companies. “We see great value in end-of-life waste across defence, aerospace, and space, and with this partnership, we can unlock real value both environmentally and financially, contributing to supply chain resiliency,” he said.
This groundbreaking partnership has the potential to transform the defence industry’s approach to waste reduction and recycling, while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable and responsible defence equipment management.
Defence Innovation Loans: VRAI, QB, SMG Lead the Way
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with innovative solutions to defence-themed problems are invited to apply for a Defence Innovation Loan, a funding opportunity designed to bridge the gap between product development and commercialization.
The Defence Innovation Loan provides SMEs with access to funding of between £100,000 and £1 million at a competitive interest rate of 7.4% per annum, which can be used to cover up to 100% of eligible project costs. This loan is aimed at supporting the commercialization of innovative solutions that address defence-related challenges.
Since its introduction in June 2021, the Defence Innovation Loan has already helped eight companies secure a total of £6 million in funding. These companies have gone on to attract an additional £16.9 million in private investment, creating 54 new jobs in defence innovation across the UK.
Success stories from previous recipients of the Defence Innovation Loan include VRAI, which used the funding to commercialize its data capture and analysis technology, tested with the RAF, to provide personalized training programs for trainee pilots. QUICKBLOCK, a company that develops lightweight, rapid assembly building blocks for force protection, used the loan to relocate its supplier base to Yorkshire, strengthening its supply chain and avoiding shipping disruptions in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, Silicon Microgravity is utilizing the funding to further develop its underground detection technology, paving the way for trials in 2024, and to commercialize its product for security, border control, defence, and civil engineering markets.
If your SME has an innovative solution to a defence-themed problem, don’t miss this opportunity to apply for a Defence Innovation Loan and take your business to the next level.
Delta Fire Opens £5.5m Facility
Delta Fire, a leading UK-based provider of bespoke firefighting nozzles, has officially opened its new £5.5 million state-of-the-art design and manufacturing facility in Norwich. The family-run business, which has been based in Norfolk for nearly 35 years, has invested significantly in the county through its mission to provide a sustainable and eco-friendly building that will help the business reach net zero before 2030.
Located at Broadland Business Park, the facility was unveiled to over 100 guests, who learned about Delta Fire’s extensive range of products and services. The company supplies firefighting nozzles to around 75% of the UK’s fire and rescue services, as well as to the defence, petrochemical, aerospace, mining, waste recycling, and energy sectors, and exports to over 70 countries worldwide.
The event featured a simulated car fire demonstration by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, which showcased the effectiveness of Delta Fire’s products. The company also launched its latest innovation, the Hydro Wall Hose, designed to combat wildfires.
Delta Fire’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its investment of an additional £350,000 in sustainable initiatives, including the installation of new generation vertical helical aerofoil wind turbines on site. This move will further strengthen the company’s reputation as a market leader in the industry.
Ian Gardner, CEO of Delta Fire, expressed his pride in the company’s achievement, saying, “I started Delta Fire nearly 35 years ago from a small unit on Rackheath Industrial Estate. We have moved several times, but we now find ourselves privileged to be in this wonderful building, which is state of the art in terms of sustainability, with plans to expand it even further.”
ODU Expands AMC Series for Retro-Fit
ODU, a leading connector solutions provider, has enhanced its AMC Series to cater to retro fit requirements in demanding military and civilian applications. The expansion follows feedback from major customers and aims to provide a reliable and flexible connection solution.
The new ODU AMC Series T Square Flange Receptacles feature a flange that complies with MIL-DTL 38999 cut-out dimensions and are initially available in sizes 09 and 12. Each size offers seven different inserts in standard or reverse gender, front or rear assembly, and can be secured using four M3 screws and a MIL-C-38999 seal.
The innovative 3-in-1 locking mechanism allows for maximum interface flexibility, enabling any screw-lock, push-pull, or break-away plug to be connected to a common receptacle. This ensures reliable performance in harsh environments, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including ground and air vehicles, radar systems, and inverters.
The ODU AMC Series T is particularly suited for communication systems that alternate between in-vehicle and dismounted use, thanks to its extreme interconnectivity. Customers can access technical product information and order samples through ODU’s Product Finder, which secures direct and indirect availability and optimizes the supply chain.