Marine Robotics Innovation Centre Marks First Anniversary

Southampton’s Marine Robotics Innovation Centre at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is this week celebrating its one year anniversary by hosting a week of marine technology events.

Opened in November last year, by Jo Johnson, minister of state for universities and science, the centre now has 19 members and eight companies located in the building working in partnership with the NOC’s engineers and scientists. The centre also has 11 associate members.

The centre has created six full time positions so far, and has pulled in £15m investment for autonomy and sensor development and £8m worth of collaborative research and development projects, NOC informed.

Kevin Forshaw, NOC’s associate director, innovation and enterprise said, “It’s truly been a fantastic first year for the centre, which is buzzing with activity. By creating this working link between the science and the industries which use it we are able to advance marine technology far quicker than ever before.”

This week’s Marine Autonomy and Technology Showcase, will see over 300 delegates from countries as far as Australia visit the NOC in Southampton for a programme of free workshops, talks, demonstrations and networking.