Havant MP Alan Mak visits Cranfield University to see cutting edge of aviation technology and robotics development

The University is a centre of excellence in science, engineering and technology and he toured the campus in Bedford in his role as Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Mr Mak and Mid Bedfordshire MP Blake Stephenson were greeted by Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Karen Holford and saw the Aerospace Integration Research Centre, where new aerospace technologies are rapidly developed and tested for current and future aviation.

They were also shown around the Robotics Laboratory, where staff work at the leading edge of robotics and automation to create the next generation of robotic systems, both in manufacturing and wider applications.

Then it was on to the Digital Aviation Research Technology Centre, which is spearheading the UK’s research into digital aviation technology.

DARTec aims to address research challenges facing the aviation industry such as integrating drones into civilian airspace and increasing the efficiency of airports through technological advances.

The University’s licensed airport creates a unique research and development environment in which to test game-changing technologies such as a digital air traffic control tower and next-generation radar.

Mr Mak said: "I enjoyed visiting Cranfield University and seeing all the impressive R&D taking place in both aviation and robotics.

"It is rightly known as a centre of excellence and going there was a powerful reminder that the UK is at the forefront of development in these areas.

"I will continue to champion the work of Cranfield University and others as part of my vision of Britain being a science and technology superpower."