b'Partner News Autumn 2023 27CorporateUniversity of YorkFollowing successful completion of the design phase, installation work will be carried out on site by specialist installer Lynx later this month, with the project appoints Siemens toexpected to be fully operational by July. Patrick Reilly-ODonnell, Head of Project Execution at Siemens, said: The Universitys deliver solar farm asInstitute for Safe Autonomy provides a first-class ecosystem for research and innovation in the world of robotics and connected autonomous systems. part of 1.5 millionAs we continue to integrate autonomous technology into our everyday lives, understanding how we can safely deploy them to maximise efficiencies within those research projectsectors connected to the green transition is becoming increasingly important.Professor Miles Elsden, Director of the Institute for Safe Autonomy at the University of York, added: Robotics, autonomous systems and AI have the potential to transform the way we live, travel and work in the future. Integrating them with the production of renewable energy will ultimately play a key role in the journey towards net zero.This innovative research project marks an important milestone for the Institute and The University of York has appointedreaffirms our commitment as a university to Siemens to design and deliver a solar arraysourcing sustainable energy.located at the Institute for Safe Autonomy (ISA) as part of a 1.5 million researchThis innovative researchThe ISA is a new initiative at the University project.project marks an importantof York which takes a safety critical approach to the design, development Funded through the UK Researchmilestone for the Instituteand testing of robotics and connected Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), theand reaffirms our commitmentautonomous systems. ISAs purpose-built project will enhance the Institutes researchas a university to sourcingfacility combines a range of experimental capabilities to develop and use AI andlaboratories and test spaces where robotic systems to inspect and maintainsustainable energy. academics from across the University work solar arrays. closely with industry, government and third-sector partners to explore trustworthy The 193 kWp solar farm will create a livingsolutions to real-world problems.lab to give insight to landowners and operators of solar farms on how best to integrate robotic technology in the field. The project will also enable the Institute to become energy self-sufficient by 2025,The project will enhance the generating approximately 170 MWh ofUniversitys research capabilities to power annually.develop and use AI and robotics to inspect and maintain solar arrays.The farm, which spans more than 1,400 square metres, will consist of a range ofThe array is expected to be fully different panel configurations includingoperational by July and will enable static ground installations and sun-trackingthe University of Yorks Institute for arrays. Solar panels will also be deployed onSafe Autonomy to become energy the side of the Institutes building and theself-sufficient.rooftop to maximise light exposure.'