By D. W .G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
A Vision for the Future of Safety
Oxford Dynamics, a cutting edge start up based in Harwell, Oxfordshire, is poised to revolutionize hazardous operations with its innovative robot, Strider. The company, founded by Mike Lawton and Shefali Sharma, has secured a £1 million contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to design, develop, and supply this advanced machine. Built to function amid chemical, biological, or nuclear incidents, as well as in environments with lethal radiation, Strider represents a significant leap forward in ensuring human safety. Lawton envisions a future where thousands of these robots are deployed worldwide, stating, "Rather than send a human in to deal with potentially deadly substances, let’s send a machine instead."
Strider, characterized by its long multi jointed arm and tank like treads, is designed for complex and dangerous tasks. It can retrieve contaminated objects, place them in sealed containers, and perform semi autonomous activities that would be challenging for humans encumbered by personal protective equipment. The robot is equipped with advanced sensory systems, including infrared, radar, and lidar (light detection and ranging), enabling it to navigate difficult and unknown terrains. With its AI software, AVIS (A Very Intelligent System), inspired by JARVIS from the Iron Man films, Strider is set to become a highly capable and flexible platform for a range of hazardous operations.
From Concept to Reality
The journey of Strider from concept to reality began in November, with a deadline to deliver the robot to the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory by September. The aim is to deploy Strider in scenarios similar to the aftermath of the Novichok attack in Salisbury in 2018. Oxford Dynamics is also looking to expand the applications of its technology beyond terrestrial hazards. Co founder Shefali Sharma highlighted the potential for adapting their AI and robotics technology to submarines or fighter jets. "If we can get these technologies into the hands of the people who genuinely need it... once it goes out there it’s absolutely going to be a dream come true as an entrepreneur [and] as a founder of the company," she remarked.
The development of Strider has been met with enthusiasm from industry stakeholders. Ewen Davies from Defra expressed his support, noting, "It’s great to see concepts that we’ve discussed internally for a while rapidly taking shape in the form of a highly capable and flexible platform." As Oxford Dynamics continues to innovate and refine Strider, the potential for these robots to transform hazardous operations and enhance human safety is immense. With ambitious goals and a clear vision, the company is on the path to making significant contributions to both military and civilian sectors, paving the way for a safer and more efficient future.
