OC Robotics

Bristol, United Kingdom

Founded 1997

About OC Robotics

OC Robotics is a Bristol, UK-based world leader in confined space automation, designing snake-arm robots specifically for remote handling operations within confined or hazardous spaces. Founded in 1997 and acquired by GE Aviation (now GE Aerospace), the company employs approximately 20 people. Their flexible snake-arm robots feature a reach of more than 3 meters and cumulative bend exceeding 180 degrees, with modular designs offering different diameters (down to 10mm), length configurations, independently controlled joints, and payloads up to 20kg. Each snake-arm contains stainless-steel wire tendons connected to up to 50 maxon motors housed in an actuator pack at the robot's base—keeping electronics accessible and protected from hazardous environments. Cameras and tools attach to the head including high-powered lasers, water jets, grippers, and sensors. Applications span aerospace (aircraft wing interiors), nuclear power plants, petrochemical facilities, security, and construction throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. OC Robotics led the LaserSnake2 collaborative R&D project (2013-2016) combining robots and lasers for safe, cost-efficient tools in high-hazard confined spaces, partnering with TWI, National Nuclear Laboratory, ULO Optics, and Laser Optical Engineering.