Autonomous systems are technology based solutions that replace humans in tasks that are mundane, dangerous and dirty, or detailed and precise
The University of Liverpool has joined with other leading North West universities, the North West Aerospace Alliance and BAE Systems, to launch the £9.1M Growing Autonomous Mission Management Applications (GAMMA) programme.
The programme seeks to develop relevant software and sensor technologies for application in autonomous systems, through partnership between academia and business.
Autonomous systems
Autonomous systems are technology based solutions that replace humans in tasks that are mundane, dangerous and dirty, or detailed and precise, across sectors, including aerospace, nuclear, automotive and petrochemicals.
Funded through a £4.42M Regional Growth Fund (RGF) grant and £4.6M of in kind contributions from delivery partners, GAMMA will seek to engage small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the autonomous systems supply chain by offering mentoring and technology development support.
The University’s School of Engineering and Virtual Engineering Centre will play a key role in the delivery of this programme which will help to build on the region’s capability in autonomous systems.
Opportunities for SMEs
GAMMA will open up opportunities for SMEs to market their technologies in a new and emerging sector that is otherwise very difficult to access. This new market will provide a sustainable business for SMEs in software upgrades, maintenance & sensing technology and create revenue for them through licensing agreements. It will also create opportunities for the SMEs to exploit matured IP in other market areas.
It will safeguard at least 17 jobs, and lead to the creation of around 200 indirect jobs.
The other North West universities involved are Universities of Manchester, Lancaster, Salford and central Lancashire.