Roadworks in the UK to be completed
by ROBOTS – £26m invested in new scheme
ROBOTS may
soon be able to repair roads – without digging them up or closing roads.
The
Government said today it is investing millions into the development of
futuristic micro-robots.
The devices are designed to
work in underground pipe networks and dangerous sites like
nuclear-decommissioning facilities.
These mini-robots, being
developed in British universities, could spell the end for many disruptive and
expensive roadworks, as robots carry out repairs without the need to dig up the
roads.
It is hoped that the 1cm-long
devices will use sensors and navigation systems to find and mend cracks in
pipes, avoiding disruption from roadworks estimated to cost the economy
£5billion a year.)
Science minister Chris Skidmore
announced investment of £26.6m to develop the robots.
He said: “While for now we can
only dream of a world without roadworks disrupting our lives, these
pipe-repairing robots herald the start of technology that could make that dream
a reality in the future.
"From deploying robots in
our pipe network so cutting down traffic delays, to using robots in workplaces
to keep people safer, this new technology could change the world we live in for
the better.
"Experts in our top UK
universities across the country are well equipped to develop this innovative
new technology."
VESTMENT:
Science minister Chris Skidmore announced investment of £26.6m (Pic: UK
Parliament)
“Artificial intelligence will revolutionise the way we carry out
complex and dangerous tasks”
Professor Sir Mark Walport
The new funding comes from the
Government's Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and will be delivered by UK
Research and Innovation (UKRI).
UKRI chief executive Professor
Sir Mark Walport said: "The projects announced today demonstrate how
robots and artificial intelligence will revolutionise the way we carry out
complex and dangerous tasks, from maintaining offshore wind farms to
decommissioning nuclear power facilities.
"They also illustrate the
leading role that the UK's innovators are playing in developing these new
technologies which will improve safety and boost productivity and
efficiency."
Researchers will also test new
technologies using drones for oil pipeline monitoring and artificial
intelligence software to detect the need for repairs on satellites in orbit.
Airborne
and underwater versions could also inspect and maintain difficult-to-reach
locations such as offshore wind farms and oil and gas pressure vessels.
AI and robotics has been making
huge advancements and is set to revolutionise society.
But some futurists claim the
rise of the machines may not be all good news as it could wipe out jobs.
The Bank of England’s chief
economist warned the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution will see "the
machine replacing humans doing thinking things".
Andy Haldane said: "The
first three industrial revolutions have been about largely machines replacing
humans doing principally manual tasks, where as the fourth will be different.
"All of a sudden it will
be the machine replacing humans doing thinking things, as well as doing
things.”
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/750645/robot-ai-news-roadworks-uk-technology?utm_source=traffic.outbrain&utm_medium=traffic.outbrain&utm_term=traffic.outbrain&utm_content=traffic.outbrain&utm_campaign=traffic.outbrain
Comments
Post a Comment