Royal Holloway University’s New £2.5M Omnidrome Research Facility: A Unique Opportunity

Royal Holloway University has made a significant leap forward in research and innovation with a £2.5 million investment into the Omnidrome Research & Innovation Centre. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for pioneering research and development in various advanced technological fields, focusing on unmanned autonomous systems (UAS/UAVs), robotics, artificial intelligence, and information security.

Omnidrome: Pioneering the Future

The Omnidrome at Royal Holloway University is poised to become a world-leading centre for research, innovation, education, and knowledge exchange, dedicated to the study and application of drones and autonomous vehicles. This new facility will address contemporary and future challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering an environment where cutting-edge research can thrive.

Research and Innovation at Omnidrome

The Omnidrome Research & Innovation Centre aims to support a broad range of research initiatives, including:

  • Robotics, AI, and Information Security: Focusing on the development and secure integration of autonomous systems.
  • Drone and Sensor Technology: Advancing the capabilities and applications of aerial, surface, and submersible drones.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Utilizing drone technology for geospatial analysis of environmental, ecological, and geological systems.
  • Law, Culture, Arts, and Humanities: Exploring the legal, cultural, and social implications of drone technology.

Building a Collaborative Community

The Omnidrome is dedicated to nurturing a diverse and multidisciplinary community of researchers, educators, technical staff, and students. The Centre will also build a robust network of academic and non-academic collaborators, including business, industry, government partners, and NGOs. This collaborative environment aims to:

  • Develop funding opportunities and promote impactful research.
  • Train staff and students in drone industry applications and software skills.
  • Support student research projects and geospatial data analysis.

Unique Features of Omnidrome

What sets the Omnidrome apart is its comprehensive approach to research and innovation:

  • Unrestricted Research Directions: Supporting all ideas and opportunities within the Omnidrome Innovation Network.
  • Multidisciplinary Expertise: Engaging academics from arts, humanities, science, and social sciences to address diverse research challenges.
  • Industry Partnerships: Directly addressing sector-specific challenges through innovative solutions and economic benefits.

Membership and Opportunities

The Omnidrome offers membership to an innovation network of academic and non-academic collaborators. Membership benefits include:

  • Direct networking opportunities with academic researchers and industry practitioners.
  • Discounts on access to the Omnidrome Training and Testing Facility and other resources.
  • Invitations to annual events, including a research and education conference and a networking and partnerships meeting.

Training and Testing Facilities

The Omnidrome provides state-of-the-art facilities for drone training, testing, and development:

  • Controlled Environment: A bespoke facility measuring 25m x 35m x 10m for safe and robust testing.
  • Training Areas: Dedicated spaces for visual line-of-sight flight training and sensor applications.
  • Technical Infrastructure: Access to high-capacity electrical power systems, drone support vehicles, and specialized equipment.

Join Us at the Omnidrome Innovation Networking Event

On behalf of Royal Holloway University, We are delighted to invite knowledge exchange professionals and industry brokers to the Omnidrome Innovation Networking Event on Tuesday, July 23, from 10.00 to 16.30 at the Royal Holloway University Campus in Egham. This event will feature expert talks, workshops, and opportunities to connect with peers in the field of drone and robotics technology.

For further information and to register, please contact KnowledgeExchange@rhul.ac.uk.

Explore how our Omnidrome facilities could benefit your work and that of your stakeholders. Find out more at royalholloway.ac.uk/research/omnidrome.