Building the future of operations on Earth and beyond.

We are delighted to invite you to Robotics for Extreme Environments, a unique event showcasing the UK’s strengths and capabilities in robotics, autonomy and emerging technologies operating in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

UKRI’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), in partnership with the UK Beyond Earth Network (UK-BEN), the UK Autonomous and Connected Earth (UK-ACE) Network, and the Satellite Applications Catapult, are bringing together organisations from the robotics, space, nuclear, defence, maritime, manufacturing and communications sectors to explore shared challenges and uncover new opportunities for collaboration.

Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026

Time: 10:00 – 16:00

Venue: Quad Two, Rutherford Avenue, Harwell Campus, OX11 0DF

A key focus is the idea of “Earth-to-Space” technology transfer, hence the space cluster input. As space becomes an increasingly important operational environment, the event will examine how lessons from industries already working in remote, hazardous and inaccessible locations can help shape the next generation of space robotics and autonomous systems.

Through expert panels and challenge-led discussions, delegates will explore what needs to happen to make space a sustainable working environment, and which technologies being used on Earth today could help enable future in-space servicing, manufacturing and autonomous operations.

Confirmed contributors include UK Atomic Energy Authority Robotics Division, Oxford Dynamics, and Dr Meganne Christian (ESA Reserve Astronaut & Mission Manager for In-space Manufacturing and R&D).

This event is being delivered in collaboration with the Harwell Space Cluster, the Satellite Applications Catapult, and the UK Atomic Energy Authority.