An Taoiseach Michael Martin has said he was ‘delighted’ to visit ɫƵ where he was briefed on the activity of a research centre.
Taoiseach Michael Martin visited the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS) ɫƵ on Friday.
The research team, led by Professor Daniel Toal, highlighted the critical role of robotic marine and aerial systems in addressing national priorities including offshore renewable energy, maritime security, environmental monitoring, climate resilience, and emergency response.
Mr Martin was met by Acting UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins, along with Interim Provost and Deputy President Professor Ann Ledwith, Vice President Research Professor Kevin Ryan and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering Professor Ken Stanton.
The Taoiseach visited the new Student Centre where he was given a presentation on the work of CRIS, which was followed by a visit to the researchers’ lab.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Martin said he was “delighted to meet with the team at the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems at ɫƵ.
“These technologies will shape how we protect our waters, protect renewable energy and respond to emerging global challenges into the future,” added Mr Martin.
Professor Toal, founding-director of CRIS, said: “Our specialist robotics research and innovation is focused on collaboration and service provision to state actors such as navy, marine institute and mission-oriented challenge research with robots exploring complex cold-water corals, ecology diversity around shipwrecks, bird populations at sea, and robotics for offshore wind.”
