Ocean University of China and Heriot-Watt University launch robotics programme

The UK’s Heriot-Watt University and Qingdao’s Ocean University of China have just launched a 4-year program for engineering students who will benefit from a state of the art new ‘National Robotarium’ in Edinburgh

After receiving formal approval from the Chinese Ministry of Education in early 2020, Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University and the Ocean University of China have launched a new Joint Education Programme in Robotics.

The four-year engineering programme marks a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between the two institutions. The strategic partnership spans over two decades and was built on the success of research collaborations focusing in particular on marine robotics, nanorobotics, electric power industry robotics and medical robotics. There is also a strong link with Shandong Province: Professor Michael Chantler, Honorary Professor at Ocean University of China but based in Heriot-Watt University, has recently been awarded the prestigious International Science and Technology Cooperation Award in recognition of the key role he played in the scientific development of Shandong Province.

The specialised BEng in robotics degree programme combines training in the discipline of engineering robots with a strong focus on software developments for robotics, and will recruit up to 120 students annually. Students will have the opportunity to study the degree for the first three years in Qingdao, and complete their final year in Edinburgh, receiving a dual degree from Ocean University of China and Heriot-Watt University.

Students will also benefit from the expertise of the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics and the new National Robotarium to be opened in Edinburgh in 2022; both are joint ventures between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh. The purpose-built National Robotarium will create a world-leading research and development facility with unrivalled laboratories in Ocean Systems, Human Robotic Interaction and Assisted Living, to explore collaborative interaction between humans, robots and their environments.

The purpose-built National Robotarium will create a world-leading research and development facility with unrivalled laboratories to explore collaborative interaction between humans, robots and their environments

Ocean University of China is one of the national key comprehensive universities of China, based in the coastal city of Qingdao. It is included in the Chinese government’s prestigious Project 985 and Project 211 schemes, as well as the Chinese government’s new Double First Class University (Class A) initiative. The University has particular strengths in oceanography and fisheries science, known as the cradle of China’s marine professionals, as well as in computer science and technology, cooperating with leading universities, research institutions and industry around the globe.

Heriot-Watt University has a distinctive international character and is known as an integrated global university.  A pioneer in transnational education, Heriot-Watt today works on five campuses in the UK, Middle East and South-East Asia with diverse communities of learners, scholars, professionals and partners from over 160 countries around the world. It has a long-standing association with China through learning, teaching, research and industry collaborations, as well as a Confucius Institute specialising in business and communication, and an in-country office based in Beijing.