A good deal for robots Nic Delves-Broughton/PA Wire
The UK government has announced extra funding for technologies including robotics and driverless cars as part of the 2017 budget.
Chancellor Philip Hammond announced plans to “enhance the UK’s position as a world leader in science and innovation” by allocating 拢270 million to support research into “biotech, robotic systems and driverless vehicles”.
Driverless vehicle trials have already begun in several locations around the UK, including Milton Keynes and Greenwich in London.
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Hammond also confirmed that 拢16 million will be used to create a hub for running trials into 5G connectivity, while 拢200 million will be invested to fund local projects testing ways of accelerating the rollout of full fibre broadband across the UK.
Driverless cars are already being tested in the UK Philip Toscano/PA Wire
Analysts say the projected funds may struggle to have a long-term impact. “The 拢270 million for disruptive technologies is unlikely to go very far,鈥 said Dan Ridsdale of Edison Investment Research. “The technologies highlighted – biotech, robotic systems and driverless cars – are all very pertinent right now but others with lower profiles are just as deserving. This would spread the funds even thinner.”
Dik Vos, from software quality assurance firm SQS, also warned that a lack of consumer trust in robotics and artificial intelligence could hamper development. “While we welcome the innovation and extra funding this announcement will bring, retaining consumer trust in relation to such technology is critical,鈥 he said.
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