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About

Colin Harrison is a leading researcher at the intersection of robotics, automation, and heavy industry, with a primary focus on transforming maintenance and inspection in the railway and aerospace sectors. His work addresses the critical challenge of integrating Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) into traditionally manual, high-stakes environments. Harrison’s most cited paper, a comprehensive 2019 review on RAS in railway maintenance (35 citations), established a foundational framework for the field, highlighting how automation can enhance safety, reliability, and cost-efficiency. He has since pioneered practical applications, including the autonomous coupler inspection of Siemens Class 380 rolling stock using industrial robots and supervised machine learning to enhance 3D point cloud accuracy. His research extends to aerospace, where he has developed adaptive robotic systems for inspecting critical components like slat actuator mounts and drill hole tilts, addressing the unique challenges of low-volume, high-accuracy production. Notably, his early work on automating a hot forge at the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre demonstrates a sustained commitment to improving manufacturing consistency. With a career spanning foundational reviews to cutting-edge adaptive systems, Harrison is a key figure driving the adoption of intelligent robotics in safety-critical infrastructure.