The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation (F-REI) have signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) on joint research in robotics and autonomous systems.
The MOC will support UK-Japan collaboration between the state-funded organisations and boost joint research opportunities and advance science and innovation in key technical areas.
These areas include robotics and autonomous systems (supporting nuclear decommissioning, operations in challenging environments and advanced manufacturing); facility management and collaboration (sharing best practices in research facilities, harnessing a culture of innovation and commercialisation); and talent and skills (initiatives to drive partnerships and support talent and skills development).
UKAEA is a member of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) along with the NDA, Sellafield Ltd and the University of Manchester. The collaboration aims to accelerate deployment of robotics and AI to solve shared nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering challenges.
F-REI was established by the Government of Japan in April 2023, under the Act on Special Measures for the Reconstruction and Revitalization of Fukushima. The institute conducts research and development in the following five key areas: robotics; agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; energy; radiation science, medicine, drug development, and industrial applications for radiation; and the collection and dissemination of data and knowledge on nuclear disasters.
The MOC was signed by F-REI’s president Koetsu Yamazaki and UKAEA’s executive director, Prof. Rob Buckingham.
Prof. Rob Buckingham said: “We are delighted to collaborate with F-REI, as both organisations share a strong commitment to advancing science and innovation in key technical areas, including robotics and autonomous systems. UKAEA has established robust partnerships with leading Japanese organisations, and this collaboration marks an exciting opportunity to expand those connections. By leveraging our shared experience and expertise, I am confident we can further strengthen UK-Japan engagement across government, industry, and academia, driving cutting-edge advancements with real-world impact.”
Dr. Koetsu Yamazaki added: “F-REI and UKAEA share complementary objectives in research, innovation, education, and commercialisation. The UKAEA’s extensive experience in developing productive research programmes, educational initiatives, innovation and commercialisation pipelines, and collaborative research facilities offers valuable lessons that can significantly benefit F-REI’s startup goals. We are also excited to enhance Japan’s scientific and technological capabilities and industrial competitiveness through this international collaboration.”
