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Jacobs and UK Government to Fund International Robotics Research Center
[May 25, 2023]

Jacobs and UK Government to Fund International Robotics Research Center


Advancing technology to help achieve net zero targets and amplify climate response

DALLAS, May 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacobs (NYSE: J) and the University of Manchester will create a new international research center to develop robotics and autonomous systems that will play a key role in climate response.

The Centre for Robotic Autonomy in Demanding and Long-lasting Environments (CRADLE) will research new technologies for challenging and heavily regulated industry sectors such as space, nuclear decommissioning, energy generation and urban infrastructure.

The center will be co-funded to a total value of $11 million over five years by Jacobs, the University of Manchester and the U.K. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's (EPSRC) Prosperity Partnerships program, which fosters links between academia and industry.

"Securing this prestigious Prosperity Partnerships grant allows Jacobs and The University of Manchester to research the autonomous systems that industry needs to solve today's challenges and create a more connected and sustainable world," said Jacobs Energy, Security & Technology Senior Vice President Karen Wiemelt.

"Robotics is already a core strength of Jacobs' work in the energy and space sectors and this research collaboration will enable us to develop advanced technologies to help achieve net zero targets, such as autonomous inspection and repair systems to extend the life of water and energy networks, roads, bridges and railways." 

Jacobs, which is investing $4.6 million, will have the opportunity to commercialize technologies developed at CRADLE to bring a step-change impact to clients in urban infrastructure, energy generation, nuclear power, decommissioning and space exploration, where robust and reliable autonomous robotics are crucial for efficient asset management and operations.

"CRADLE will allow the university's recently established Manchester Centre for Robotics and AI to build a relationship with one of the leading organizations involved in applied robotics, helping us to progress our fundamental research in this area and to deliver impact from the robotic and AI systems that we are developing," said  Centre Co-director Professor Barry Lennox.

CRADLE's research remit covers mechatronics, software and how communities and regulators willengage with future robotic systems. Jacobs staff will support 12 PhD students in conducting research and performing prototype demonstrations at The University of Manchester and at Jacobs' robotics laboratories in Warrington.



At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With approximately $15 billion in annual revenue and a talent force of more than 60,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector. Visit jacobs.com and connect with Jacobs on Facebook, InstagramLinkedIn and Twitter.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current fact. When used herein, words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "plans," "intends," "future," "will," "would," "could," "can," "may," and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on management's current estimates and expectations, as well as currently available competitive, financial and economic data. Forward-looking statements, however, are inherently uncertain. There are a variety of factors that could cause business results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the timing of the award of projects and funding and potential changes to the amounts provided for under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, as well as general economic conditions, including inflation and the actions taken by monetary authorities in response to inflation, changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, changes in capital markets, the possibility of a recession or economic downturn, geopolitical events and conflicts, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the related reaction of governments on global and regional market conditions, among others. For a description of some additional factors that may occur that could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements, see the discussions contained under Item 1 - Business; Item 1A - Risk Factors; Item 3 - Legal Proceedings; and Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, and  Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Item 1 - Legal Proceedings; and Item 1A - Risk Factors in our most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company is not under any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results, except as required by applicable law.


For press/media inquiries:
Kerrie Sparks
214.583.8433

A Jacobs robotics specialist at work.

 

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SOURCE Jacobs


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