Tech firm expands nuclear robotics partnership

A Cumbrian technology company has strengthened its relationship with a global robotics leader as it expands its role in delivering advanced automation across critical industries.

Cockermouth-based Createc has extended its partnership with Boston Dynamics, becoming an authorised reseller and technology provider following more than six years of collaboration.

Under the agreement, Createc has been granted global authorisation to support the nuclear sector, recognising its expertise in nuclear robotics.

It will also represent Boston Dynamics across the UK industrial market and lead Enterprise Asset Management activities throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Combining Boston Dynamics’ Spot mobile robot with Createc’s robotics integration, software and sensing technologies, the partnership provides customers with end-to-end solutions for industrial inspection, monitoring and asset management.

Spot, a four-legged robot, is already used by customers in the nuclear and power sectors to carry out autonomous inspections in hazardous or difficult-to-access environments, helping improve safety while reducing operational risk.

Marco da Silva, vice president and general manager for Spot at Boston Dynamics, which is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, said: “Createc has been a standout partner over the last six years, pushing the boundaries of what Spot can achieve in demanding and hazardous environments. 

“Expanding our partnership allows us to deliver complete, end-to-end autonomous inspection and asset management solutions that make workplaces safer and operations more efficient.” 

Employing around 70 people across offices in Cumbria, Oxford, Tokyo and Oslo, Createc develops robotics, artificial intelligence and sensing technologies for organisations including Sellafield Ltd, Network Rail, EDF and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Createc and Boston Dynamics have worked together since 2020, integrating robotic technologies into complex industrial environments.

Designed to accelerate the adoption of mobile robotics, the expanded agreement spans sectors including nuclear, defence, infrastructure and wider industry.

The partnership was formally marked during a visit by Boston Dynamics representatives to Createc’s headquarters in Cockermouth, where they met with the Createc team and representatives from Sellafield Ltd.

Will Newsom, chief executive of Createc, added: “We are proud to strengthen our relationship with Boston Dynamics, one of the world’s leading robotics companies, and to build on years of successful collaboration.

“Together, we have deployed Spot in complex environments where robotics can improve safety, reduce risk and gather critical data in places that are hazardous or difficult for people to access. 

“This expanded partnership will help us bring those benefits to more organisations around the world, supporting Createc’s mission to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies and create a safer, more sustainable future.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.