Cumbrian businesses in engineering and robotics have been celebrating the impact of women in their industries on International Women’s Day.

The Cumbria Robotics Cluster, powered by iSH, is a group of businesses developing innovative solutions for the nuclear industry and other harsh environments.

The group has celebrated women in Cumbria who are leading the way in one of the most advanced technology sectors, making significant strides in robotics while inspiring the next generation.

A spokesperson for iSH said: “Women are leading the way in key roles across several of our cluster member companies.

“It’s great to be able to raise the visibility of women in roles like these, showing the next generation that robotics is a genuine career pathway and inspiring future advanced engineers.”

A select group of leading female figures in the field have shared their passion for robotics in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Jill Stewart, Research Professor in Systems Modelling and Optimisation at the University of Cumbria said “I’m really inspired by recent developments in AI that have opened a new world of possibilities for robots to take on difficult and dangerous jobs so that people can do interesting and important work.”

Amanda Smith, UAV Programme Lead at Sellafield Ltd
“It’s great to see the use of new technologies to keep people away from harm and to overcome difficult engineering challenges, some of which have been long standing issues.”

Kayleigh Daniels, Head of Development at React Engineering
“Some of the challenges really are pushing beyond the forefront of current science and technology and the advancements in these areas create an evolving picture; making finding the best solutions exciting and ever-changing.”

Kirsty Hewitson, Director of RAICo (Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Collaboration)
“RAICo seemed like an excellent opportunity to apply previous learnt knowledge and expertise whilst delivering tangible benefits; removing people from harm, accelerating nuclear decommissioning, developing skills and delivering taxpayer savings.”

Claire Cleaver-Jones, Robotics and AI Business Manager at Sellafield Ltd
“I am passionate about leveraging robotics in nuclear to protect people from harm, accelerate nuclear decommissioning, inspire the next generation, and create exciting job opportunities in our community.”

At Forth engineering they celebrated International Women’s Day where 33 percent of their team members are women and the management team is evenly split with half men and women.

A spokesperson for Forth said: “In an industry where this balance is still rare, just 15.7 percent of Engineering sector employees are women, we’re proud that it’s simply the way we work.

“No quotas. No tokenism. Just the best people, doing what they do best.

“We also recognise that many women across the world still face barriers in their careers and lives.

“That’s why we firmly support International Women’s Day, championing the belief that gender should never define what you can achieve or how you are treated.

“We do it because they are the best people for the job. Because talent, expertise, and ambition don’t come with a gender label.

“Today, we celebrate the brilliant women of Forth.

“Not because they’re women, but because they’re exceptional.”