REPRESENTATIVES from a Malvern technology company will have to make sure their passports are in order, because they are off to California for a week. D-RisQ has been chosen by the Technology Strategy Board, the UK’s innovation agency, to attend the first Robotics and Autonomous Systems Mission from June 23-27 in San Francisco and San Diego.

The company from Wyche Innovation Centre in Walwyn Road is among a selection of companies representing the best of the British robotics and autonomous systems industry selected to showcase the breadth and depth of innovation within British robotics.

Business director Nick Tudor said: "This is great news for us as it will enable us to foster partnerships which might lead to an acceleration of demonstrably safe robotic interaction with humans in many fields. Our tools will assist companies ensure that they have all the evidence they need to satisfy the market that their systems will only do what they expect and never do what is not required."

D-RisQ produces automated formal analysis tools that change the way the world develops safety critical systems and software in sectors where the consequences of failure could be catastrophic, including aerospace, defence, nuclear power, rail, automotive and robotics sectors. These tools cut the cost and time of development whilst ensuring safety requirements are met. Applicable to all business sectors, these tools have been used successfully on software systems for military aircraft.

The Mission starts on June 23 and will see the companies embark on a week long journey through San Diego, San Francisco and Silicon Valley to showcase their technology to peers, partners, investors and potential customers. The Technology Strategy Board, together with UK Trade & Investment , is organising a packed agenda of briefings, meetings pitch opportunities and networking events to ensure the British robotics companies and entrepreneurs get unparalleled access to the US robotics ecosystem and a unique insight into one of the largest most dynamic robot markets in the world.

Mike Biddle, deputy director of the innovation programmes at the Technology Strategy Board, said: ““The mission is designed to open doors, build networks and showcase British innovation and Silicon Valley and San Francisco are synonymous with being at the forefront of global robotics and autonomous systems technology. These companies will benefit from meetings with leading robotics, academic and research institutions, gaining fresh ideas and developing new partnerships and funding opportunities. It’s a springboard which can help them to launch their business, thrive and turn their innovations into tangible business opportunities.”