# Episode Fifty-One: James Kell

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2023-06-02
- Length: 19m
- Episode: 51
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-02-episode-fifty-one-james-kell
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-fifty-one-james-kell

## Summary

James Kell, Robotics Technical Director at Jacobs Engineering UK, discusses applying robotics and remote handling to critical national infrastructure, including nuclear power plants, rail, and water systems. He details his previous work at Rolls-Royce developing a snake-like robot for jet engine inspection, which bridged aerospace and medical technologies, and introduces the new CRADLE project with the University of Manchester to develop reconfigurable robotic systems for demanding environments.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-02-episode-fifty-one-james-kell#t=7) Introduction: James Kell and Jacobs Engineering UK
- [3:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-02-episode-fifty-one-james-kell#t=235) Robotics for Nuclear, Rail, and Infrastructure
- [6:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-02-episode-fifty-one-james-kell#t=411) Safety and Human-Robot Collaboration
- [8:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-02-episode-fifty-one-james-kell#t=517) The CRADLE Project with University of Manchester
- [11:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-02-episode-fifty-one-james-kell#t=669) Rolls-Royce Snake Robot for Jet Engine Inspection
- [13:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-02-episode-fifty-one-james-kell#t=839) Snake Robot Design and Specifications
- [16:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-06-02-episode-fifty-one-james-kell#t=977) Variety in Robotics and Societal Impact

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Jacobs Engineering UK (company)
- Rolls-Royce (company)
- University of Nottingham (other)
- University of Manchester (other)
- Optic (company)
- UKAA (company)
- CRADLE (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Spencer Krause: Why Hardware  is the New Engineering Frontier](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-01-16-spencer-krause-why-hardware-is-the-new-engineering-frontier) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Re-skilling coal miners; Jibo returns; Perseverance Rover heads for Mars](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-07-29-re-skilling-coal-miners-jibo-returns-perseverance-rover-heads-for-mars) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Jenga robot creator reviews chess-playing robot flaws](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-07-29-jenga-robot-creator-reviews-chess-playing-robot-flaws) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Ep085: Cable Robots Two-Ways, Cubic Raspberry Pi, Plastic Wrap Kayak, and Digging Inductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-09-18-ep085-cable-robots-two-ways-cubic-raspberry-pi-plastic-wrap-kayak-and-digging-in) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Bonus Edition - 2023 RBR50 Review](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-04-21-bonus-edition-2023-rbr50-review) (The Robot Report Podcast)

## Citing this page

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