AtkinsRéalis and Oxford Robotics Institute have formed a global partnership to accelerate the deployment of autonomous robotic systems across nuclear and energy sites.
The collaboration will develop, test, and deploy autonomous mobile inspection platforms and robotic manipulation systems for safety-critical environments. It builds on UK work in which Oxford Robotics Institute systems were integrated into AtkinsRéalis robotics platforms for autonomous navigation, advanced mapping, and hotspot detection at nuclear sites, including Sellafield.
The programme will focus on physical AI, using tightly coupled simulation, AI-enabled perception, decision-making, and real-world validation to prepare robotic systems for operational use. Nuclear sites present complex access, radiation, contamination, and safety-control challenges, making inspection and manipulation a natural application area for reliable autonomous systems.
Initial work will scale proven UK deployments before moving into international applications. Systems will be tested and refined at Oxford’s robotics facilities before being transitioned into deployable platforms through AtkinsRéalis’ nuclear engineering teams.
Sam Stephens, Head of Digital – Nuclear at AtkinsRéalis, said: “This partnership allows us to rapidly move autonomous robotics from research to operational deployment on nuclear power plants around the world. Working directly with the Oxford Robotics Institute’s teams means we can test solutions in their facilities, refine them based on real nuclear challenges, and deploy them across our international operations. The result is safer working environments and better data to inform critical decisions on nuclear sites.”
The agreement gives AtkinsRéalis access to research and engineering expertise in robotic perception, navigation, manipulation, inspection, digital twin development, and physical AI. These capabilities sit alongside growing industry demand for automated inspection and monitoring methods that can reduce personnel exposure while improving the frequency and quality of asset data.
Professor Nick Hawes, Director, Oxford Robotics Institute, University of Oxford, said: “Our collaboration with AtkinsRéalis demonstrates how academic research translates into practical solutions for the nuclear sector. As part of the University of Oxford, ORI combines robotics research capabilities with the engineering focus needed to develop technologies that meet demanding operational requirements. This partnership allows us to advance autonomous inspection and digital technologies that address real challenges across the nuclear industry.”
The partnership adds to AtkinsRéalis’ robotics activity in nuclear, including a remote robot operation trial with Sellafield Ltd in 2025 and a global partnership extension with Kinova for robotic technology deployment. It also sits alongside the company’s collaboration with NVIDIA on physical AI, advanced simulation, and AI-enabled autonomy.
