CRADLE is a new research centre backed by Jacobs and The University of Manchester, which aims to change the way we do robotics by connecting cutting edge academic discovery with the needs of industry.

So where better to spread the word about this new venture than the European Robotics Forum, a flagship annual conference, held this year in Rimini, Italy, which attracts suppliers, funding bodies, academic institutions and end users?

Representing Jacobs, James Kell (pictured) and Kayleigh Jackson delivered two presentations and took part in panel discussions on teleoperation and navigation in unknown environments.

But it wasn’t all deadly serious. The ERF has a challenge area where robots are put through their paces with navigation exercises, fruit picking and dog obstacle courses.