UK and Japan strengthen partnership to advance robotics research globally

11 Mar, 2025

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Japan’s Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation (F-REI) have signed a memorandum of cooperation to advance joint research in robotics and autonomous systems. The agreement, signed on 4 March at UKAEA’s Culham Campus in Oxfordshire, aims to strengthen collaboration in nuclear decommissioning and autonomous systems. The memorandum was signed by F-REI President Koetsu Yamazaki and UKAEA Executive Director Rob Buckingham during an F-REI delegation visit to the UK.

This partnership focuses on key areas such as robotics and autonomous systems for nuclear decommissioning and operations in challenging environments, advanced manufacturing, and facility management. It also promotes sharing best practices in research, fostering a culture of innovation and commercialisation. Additionally, the agreement seeks to develop talent and skills through joint initiatives and knowledge exchange.

UKAEA, which leads the UK’s fusion energy programme, operates RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments), a world-class robotics centre focused on deploying next-generation robotics technologies in extreme industrial environments. RACE has been instrumental in developing robotics for nuclear decommissioning through the LongOps project, funded by the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), UK Research and Innovation, and Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco). UKAEA is also part of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo), working with the NDA, Sellafield Ltd, and the University of Manchester to accelerate AI and robotics deployment in nuclear decommissioning.

F-REI, established in April 2023 under Japan’s Act on Special Measures for the Reconstruction and Revitalisation of Fukushima, focuses on research in robotics, agriculture, energy, radiation science, and nuclear disaster data collection. Buckingham highlighted the shared goals and potential impact of the collaboration, while Yamazaki emphasised that UKAEA’s expertise will help F-REI strengthen Japan’s scientific and technological capabilities and enhance its global competitiveness. This partnership underscores the commitment of both nations to driving innovation and addressing complex engineering challenges.

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