BT robotics lab to test future infrastructure tools

The 5000+ sq. ft facility at BT Labs in Martlesham, Suffolk will play a key role in developing robotics solutions to accelerate the deployment of infrastructure. BT will work with universities, robotics start-ups and other utilities to trial UK-developed robotics that can help overcome global telecoms and utility sector civil engineering challenges.

“The use cases we see are use cases that are directly relevant to many other organisations in other utilities, which is why we will be talking to other utility providers,” said Professor Tim Whitley, BT’s MD of Research.

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New robotic locomotion and excavation techniques inspired by mammals and insects represent some of the promising technologies for delivering ‘trenchless’ infrastructure. Magnetic, climbing and cable-traversing robotic techniques are also maturing.

“The way BT thinks about innovation is yes, we have our own researchers, we publish, we patent,” said Prof Whitley. “We participate in that ecosystem, but we also recognise - and have a machine - to look for innovation where it occurs, whether it’s in vendors, whether it’s in start-ups, whether it’s in universities.”